Downtown Fayette is once again seeking a new Executive Director of the Main Street organization. Current director Barbie Oeth announced she is stepping down after five months. She began her duties on November 1, 2024. Her last day on the job is March 31.

Mrs. Oeth began working for Downtown Fayette after retiring from her job with the state in October. “I  probably didn’t give myself enough time to think about actually retiring,” she said. “I’ve made a decision to scale down the demands on my life and truly celebrate what brings me joy. I love what the Downtown Fayette organization stands for and I completely support the mission.”

Mrs. Oeth is the latest director to leave the organization after only a short tenure. Previous director Cana Conrow served the organization for around a year when it was still known as Fayette Main Street.

This comes at a precarious time for Downtown Fayette. Board president Deanna Cooper plans to resign from her post before becoming Fayette’s newest city administrator on April 1. However, this is Downtown Fayette’s least active time of the year. The next major event is a street dance planned for June.

Mrs. Oeth said that while she is stepping down from the position of Executive Director, she is not leaving the organization entirely. She still plans to be an active volunteer.

“ All our volunteers work very hard and I am proud to continue to serve alongside our board and committee chairs to make our historic downtown a vibrant and welcoming community,” said Mrs. Oeth.

An advertisement with a job description for Downtown Fayette Executive Director appears on Page 7 of this newspaper.