May 8, 2018 2 min read

Washington Business District Authority is looking for a new manager.

Sarah Collier was hired for the position last year but has given her resignation, according to Washington Mayor Scott Putnam. Matt Miller, chairman of the board of directors for the authority, said Collier, who could not be reached for comment Monday, is leaving on positive terms, and he called her a “tireless promoter” for the authority.

“She has led our organization through a period of transition and helped steer us on a path for the future,” Miller said in a statement.

Miller said the person the authority hires will be expected to develop relationships with business owners in the district, help drive people to the businesses and “be the face of” the business district authority. He said the new manager also will need to help landlords fill empty storefronts.

“In the last year, there’s probably a dozen or so new businesses that have opened,” Miller said. “With the Washington Winery expanding and the two distilleries that have opened, those are usually good indicators of resurgence.”

In an advertisement for the position, the authority notes the manager will be responsible for managing downtown events such as the holiday parade, writing news releases and managing business programming initiatives.

“This is a big position, requiring a diverse group of responsibilities, much like being a sole proprietor of a business,” Miller said. “While Sarah has decided to move in a different direction with her career, she has agreed to stay and help transition our new manager into the position. The WBDA board wishes to thank Sarah for her hard work and wish her luck in all future endeavors.”

Putnam, who also serves on the authority board, said that due to upcoming events this season, the sooner they find someone, the better. He said they are looking for “someone who can rally the businesses” and “infuse some life into the downtown area.”