Russellville Main Street announces new executive director for Downtown Russellville

Russellville Main Street announced Kara Shelnutt as full-time executive director for Downtown Russellville. The news came in a July 26, 2024, press release which listed her start date as July 8 and stated she was “off to a wonderful and immersive beginning.” 

“We are very pleased to announce Kara Shelnutt as Executive Director and have been very impressed with her initiative and enthusiasm in just the first few weeks on the job,” said Mitch McKinney, Russellville Main Street’s board president. 

Shelnutt graduated summa cum laude with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Fundamentals from the University of Phoenix. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business. Shelnutt leaves a professional career with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Volunteer experience is part of her background, and Downtown Russellville is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization. Other experience includes working with the Junior League of the Shoals, providing disaster relief in Franklin County, participating in the Hydrate the Homeless initiative, leading youth groups, volunteering at animal shelters, being a Big Sister in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and serving on the board of a new church plant in Russellville for the Church of God of Prophecy, where she is a member.  

“Her background in business and dedication to volunteer work have already proved advantageous as we articulate our vision and execute a strategic plan,” McKinney said. 

She has been married for six years to Josh Shelnutt, and they have a blended family. In her free time, she enjoys camping with her family, (including two standard poodles), watching her daughters perform at halftime on Friday nights and leading a ladies’ Bible study. 

Shelnutt shared her enthusiasm for the work to come.  

“I am thrilled to take on the role of executive director of Downtown Russellville,” she explained. “I am eager to witness and contribute to the restoration of the city’s rich history and beautiful architecture.” 

McKinney shared his enthusiasm for the projects to come. 

“We are looking forward to moving downtown forward and have a few things in the works that should roll out by the end of the year – all with Kara’s help,” he added.  

McKinney said Yaneli Bahena Wallace, the previous executive (effective with April 15, 2024) was presented with an unexpected business opportunity a month into her new position.  

“We wish Yaneli the best in her takeover of Ville Nutrition and being a partner with Russellville Main Street in the future,” he added. 

Before Wallace, Ann Epperson McDermitt served as the group’s first executive director, effective Feb. 1, 2023, until she departed the position earlier this year to pursue a different career path.  

For more information, see the group’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/downtownrussellville.  

Main Street Alabama is a private non-profit and state coordinating program of Main Street America. The National Main Street Four Point Approach™ is an more than 40-year-old model that focuses work in four areas: organization, design, promotion and economic vitality, with strategies unique to the community and based on market-based outcomes. Visit www.mainstreetalabama.org for more information.