SALISBURY — Downtown Salisbury Inc. announced Friday that Paula Bohland has resigned as executive director. Her last day will be Jan. 31.

Bohland is leaving DSI to take a position as the executive director for GRACES, a not-for-profit organization serving children living in poverty in Latin America. Bohland has been heavily involved in this ministry for more than 10 years.

She said this career move is an opportunity to engage more fully and professionally in the ministry that has become her life’s passion.

“I have been afforded the opportunity of a lifetime, one in which I will use my knowledge and skills to assist children living in extreme poverty to obtain an education and achieve their dreams,” Bohland said in a press release from DSI.

“The opportunity to lead GRACES fulfills a life dream and my passion. Becoming the executive director for this organization is the ideal next step in my long-standing commitment to this ministry and in my personal development.”

In 2013 as chairman of the DSI Board of Directors, Mark Lewis asked Bohland to serve as the interim executive director for Downtown Salisbury Inc.

The Board of Directors for DSI offered her the position of executive director the following June.

Since then, the downtown has seen a net gain of 79 full-time jobs, 19 new businesses and more than $7.3 million in private investment. Bohland has been involved in the development of both downtown breweries and revitalization projects.

She also facilitated the process for selecting the developer for the Empire Hotel, while recruiting several other businesses.

Lewis said she has assisted in creating many new residential units, engaging merchant stakeholders and leading promotional efforts that now include 21 downtown events.

“Working in concert with many volunteers,” Lewis said, “she also put on our signature ‘Wine About Winter’ and ‘Summer Sip’ festivals.

“Paula’s energy, enthusiasm and passion have been of great benefit to our downtown, and we are a better city having had her in this leadership position.”

Greg Shields, current chairman of the DSI Board of Directors, said, “Paula has been a tireless advocate of our historic downtown and has achieved remarkable things in her time as executive director of DSI.”

During her tenure, Shields said, Integro, the Bernhardt Building, The Smoke Pit, The Shuckin’ Shack, Mambo Grill, New Sarum Brewing, Morgan Ridge and other businesses have opened in the downtown.

“She has advanced the Empire project closer to completion than it has ever been,” Shields said. “She has handled brilliantly wearing the many hats an ED of DSI needs to wear. Our downtown will miss her, DSI will miss her, and I will miss working with her.”

Until Jan. 31, Bohland plans to work with the Board of Directors as needed and help make the transition to having an interim director.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities for learning and participation in the planning and design of our downtown that I have been afforded,” Bohland said.

“I believe that our downtown has benefited through the work of all involved with DSI during my tenure. It has been wonderful to witness and lead those efforts. I will certainly use the experiences, skills and knowledge this job has afforded me in future endeavors.”

Kevin King, board president of GRACES, said there is great anticipation and expectation for Bohland as she steps into her new full-time role.

“Her expertise and experience will be invaluable as she leads this organization to greater success in the coming years,” King said. “We really needed someone with intimate knowledge of the mission along with quality relationships with all the staff and children.

“Paula has been dedicated to this ministry for quite some time, so this was a natural progression to her leading the organization. As the mission has grown, the need for a dedicated executive became imperative. We are thrilled that she has accepted and will be helping us grow and build on our past success.”