Dusty, chairperson of the Downtown Adrian Downtown Development Authority, told the board Sept. 10 that she will step down after seven years of service, including six years as chair.

"After much reflection, I made a difficult decision to step down as chairperson as a member of the City of Adrian's Downtown Development Authority," Dusty said in a prepared statement read at the meeting. She cited the need to focus on family, her business and duties connected to the closure process at Siena Heights University, where she serves as chair of the Board of Trustees.

Dusty said she is proud of the DDA’s accomplishments and expressed confidence in the board’s future work. Board members thanked Dusty for her leadership and long service; several speakers noted her time commitment and said she will be welcomed back if her schedule allows in future.

The board did not announce a timetable or process at the meeting for selecting a successor; the item was presented during board member comments and the chair asked another board member (Darcy) to close the meeting. Dusty provided a written copy of her remarks to the mayor, according to the record.

Quotes
- Dusty, chairperson: "I leave this role with the full confidence and the continued success of the DDA...I wish each of you continued success in the fulfillment important work ahead."