VALDOSTA — The City of Valdosta announced a new Main Street manager today.

Rebecca Shirley will join the city as its new Main Street manager, effective Nov. 30, said Sementha Mathews, the city’s public information officer.

As the Valdosta Main Street manager, Shirley will work to develop a strong and productive working relationship with the downtown businesses and property owners, the Central Valdosta Development Authority (CVDA), public officials and with other public and private agencies at the local, state and national levels.

Shirley will also assist downtown tenants and property owners with physical improvement projects, as part of the overall continuing redevelopment of the 26-block downtown district.

One of Shirley’s first critical tasks will be coordinating the development of a comprehensive strategic plan that will analyze and plan for future development in the downtown area.

“The City of Valdosta welcomes Rebecca and looks forward to her continuing the city’s commitment to our historic downtown district,” said Valdosta City Manager Larry Hanson. “We are confident that she will build upon the significant progress that has been made through our downtown revitalization program and will be instrumental in furthering economic development opportunities that benefit and celebrate the unique and treasured assets of our downtown district.”

Shirley comes to the Valdosta Main Street Program from the City of Dahlonega Downtown Development Authority’s Better Hometown Program where she was instrumental in maintaining effective communication with downtown organizations and businesses and in establishing successful strategies for downtown economic development through historic preservation. She has a bachelors of arts in international affairs and political science from the University of Georgia and a masters of public administration from the North Georgia College and State University.

“We were pleased to utilize the team approach in filling this position,” said Mara Register, assistant to the city manager. “It was a privilege to serve on a committee of downtown stakeholders that recommended her hiring.”

Shirley begins her Main Street duties during the busiest season of the year, with the Winterfest and other downtown holiday activities just around the corner.

The Main Street Office is located on the first floor of the City Hall Annex, at 300 N. Lee St. To contact her at the Main Street Office, call (229) 259-3577.