After six years of service, Maggie Beal Longest stepped down from her position as Executive Director at Downtown Ashland Association. The economist and community advocate accepted an appointment by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce & Trade.
In her resignation, Longest wrote, “It is with great pride that I step away from the Association. Together we have made significant progress, and I am confident the success will continue with the community’s commitment.”
Under Longest’s leadership, Downtown Ashland Association produced events that brought tens of thousands into downtown, maintained Mainstreet America accreditation, enacted public design projects including the soon-to-be-launched Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park, and was recently awarded $175,000 for entrepreneurship programming. The skills and experience Longest gained during her time in Ashland are well-suited to her new responsibilities leading economic and community development statewide.
Longest left big shoes to fill. Downtown Ashland Association’s Board of Directors is now seeking a dynamic and organized Executive Director to drive impactful initiatives that enhance Ashland’s vibrancy and economic growth. The Association invites new applicants for the position of executive director. Visit ashlandvirginia.com/news for more information.