Main Street executive director is resigning

RUSSELLVILLE — The city’s first full-time Main Street executive director has announced that she must step down from the position she’s held since last year.

Kara Shelnutt made the announcement on Sept. 8 on the Russellville Main Street Facebook page.

“After much prayer and consideration, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my position as executive director of Russellville Main Street,” Shelnutt said in the announcement. “This was not an easy decision. My heart has been in serving Franklin County my entire life, I have worked tirelessly to help strengthen this community and the people who call it home.”

When she accepted the role in July 2024, Shellnut said she came in with big visions for downtown Russellville.

“In just over a year, we have accomplished a great deal together through collaboration with our board, city partners, businesses, volunteers, and neighbors,” she said. “I am deeply proud of what we have built and excited for what is still ahead.

“For personal health reasons that require my focus, it is the right time for me to step back.”

Shelnutt said she is committed to a smooth transition. She will support the hiring process for the next executive director to ensure the organization’s momentum continues.

“Our next leader should share the vision and heart to carry Russellville forward and meet the next set of goals,” she said.

Shelnutt said Russellville Main Street has a board of directors who will conduct interviews and select the next executive director.

She said there is no timeline for the selection of the new director. Shelnutt said she would stay on as executive director until a new leader is selected.

Shelnutt said she’s proud of what Main Street has accomplished under her tenure, including the popular Fifth Friday event.

“The community has wanted things like that,” she said.

The organization received an award last year for money that has been reinvested into downtown Russellville. She said $24,000 went back into downtown storefronts.

Fifth Friday has also received an award, Shelnutt said.

Russellville became part of the Main Street program in 2023.