Old Town Cape has announced the departure of Executive Director Marla Mills. She will be leaving the organization at the end of this summer after nearly 13 years at the helm.
During her time as executive director, Mills has grown the organization with more than $85 million in public and private investment, and being present for the creation of 360 new jobs across downtown Cape Girardeau. Her most recent accomplishment includes partnering in a preservation grant award of over $127,000 to help revitalize Ivers Square and install the United States Colored Troops Memorial statue, to be unveiled this Saturday, June 8th.
She is responsible as well for the development of the Cape Riverfront Market, facilitating community and business workshops, and creating the Downtown Cape Girardeau Community Improvement District.
Old Town Cape Board President Danny Essner credits Mills’ “energy and commitment” for much of their success. But, he says the organization is “well-positioned” for this type of leadership change.
“We are very excited about the direction of downtown and confident about the future of both downtown and Old Town Cape, Inc.“ says Essner. “We wish Marla the best as she moves on to other opportunities.”
A transition team is in place and operating from a succession plan that the Board and staff have been developing over the past few years.
This announcement marks the beginning of a national search to find the next Executive Director.