Sullivan resigns from Newton Main Street

Graham Sullivan will be resigning from her position as director of Newton Main Street, she announced Friday in a press release.

Although she enjoyed her time with Newton Main Street, Sullivan cited aspirations to pursue “something new” that will challenge her in a different way. It is time, she said, for her to find something she can be passionate about again.

Upon accepting the job three years ago, Sullivan said she was excited to learn and was ready to begin a career with an organization whose mission and vision she also believed in.

“However, I also said to myself, when I lose the love, drive and passion for the organization that means so much to me, I would leave,” Sullivan said in the press release. “And so, it is time for me to move on.”

Effective June 21, Sullivan will no longer oversee the program, which combines economic development with historic preservation to further promote downtown Newton’s stature and presence in the community.

The Newton Main Street program’s goals in the community are to help establish the downtown image, improve its aesthetics, strengthen the economic base and its role in town. Newton Main Street is a subsidiary of Main Street Iowa and Main Street America, which are part of the encompassing National Main Street Center program.

A replacement for Sullivan’s position has yet to be identified as of presstime Tuesday.

Despite her leave, Sullivan said Newton has only “scratched the surface with what Main Street is truly about,” and she hopes the community can “find someone who can come in and truly open the eyes and minds of all who call Newton home to what amazing transformations the Main Street program can offer.”

She added, “My hope is that those who are passionate about Main Street continue to learn more about the program and fight for the big picture vision for our downtown. A place that all are welcome to live, work and play. A place we are all proud to call home.”

Sullivan is also a member of the Newton Community School District Board of Education and is the sponsor of Newton High School’s Pacesetters dance squad.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com