Coldwater DDA notes director resignation, begins search for replacement

The City of Coldwater Downtown Development Authority acknowledged the resignation of its director and said the board will conduct a search to fill the position over the next few months. The board discussed interim coverage and next steps for recruiting and posting the job.

Board leaders told the authority meeting on July 23 that the director submitted a resignation dated July 3, 2025, and they will include the resignation letter in the meeting minutes. The board said it has already met with its president and at least one board member to prepare a job description and will advertise the position and recruit applicants. During the meeting, staff described that interim coverage will be provided by existing staff while the search proceeds.

The discussion occurred during the director's report. Keith (staff member) said he had met with President Keywood and board member Dershowl to prepare the job description; he and Aaron will serve in an interim capacity while the board conducts recruitment. The board did not adopt a hiring timetable or vote on a final candidate at the July 23 meeting.

The director's written report, which the board said is in the meeting packet, contained project updates the board highlighted as part of background on the transition. Those items included murals in progress on Monroe Street and at the Children's Museum, two downtown properties (referred to as 71 and 73 at the Kerr Building) that are back on the market, near-complete FRI grant work with a pending MEDC reimbursement, and a newly translated Spanish social-district guide. The board said it will maintain momentum on those projects while conducting the search.

No formal hiring decision was made July 23; the board described next steps as staff and board coordination on a job posting, outreach and recruitment. The board also asked that the resignation letter be entered into the official minutes for the meeting.