Sharon Priest To Retire From Downtown LR Partnership Role

The Downtown Little Rock Partnership announced Monday (Dec. 8) that executive director Sharon Priest will retire at the end of January.

Priest, a former Little Rock mayor and Arkansas Secretary of State, has served in the position for more than a decade, leading downtown Little Rock through a major renaissance and rebirth.

The board of directors will begin the search for a new executive director immediately.

“For more than a decade, Sharon has served as our executive director and under her leadership, the Downtown Little Rock Partnership has helped facilitate tremendous growth for downtown,” said Susie Smith, president of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership board of directors. “Her guidance and expertise has been instrumental in the Partnership’s success and set the bar high for the next director. On behalf of the board, we wish to thank Sharon for all her hard work and we appreciate her dedication to the growth of downtown Little Rock.”

Priest has led the nonprofit group since January 2003. She reorganized the DLRP during her first year including rewriting the employee handbook, establishing policies and procedures and facilitating the Partnership’s office move to Capitol and Main. After commissioning a planning study and retreat, Priest placed economic development at the center of the DLRP’s efforts.

During her tenure, downtown Little Rock has seen billions of dollars in investments as projects such as the Clinton Presidential Library sparked heavy investment in new hotels, the River Market, and an arts and entertainment corridor.

Priest, who also has served on the Federal Reserve Bank’s Little Rock board, also pushed for improved streetscape and safety. In 2011, the Partnership spearheaded the first Food Truck Festival on Main Street, a festival that has grown to become a major, destination event for downtown.

She also facilitated improvements in the MacArthur Park area, including a revitalized grassroots organization, a master plan process, clean-up efforts, a dog park, and a 5K run.

“Throughout my years in public service, one of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the many improvements to MacArthur Park. I have enjoyed watching this beautiful area of our city become transformed into a vibrant place for all residents to enjoy,” said Sharon Priest. “Thank you to everyone who helps make the Downtown Little Rock Partnership such a viable organization. Without our many members, city and county leadership and our amazing staff, none of this would be possible and I will miss all of you greatly.”