Main Street Columbus has a new director.
Atlanta native Nickie Nicholson will begin work as director on Dec. 10, replacing Amber Brislin.
The Main Street board announced Nicholson’s hiring on Wednesday via a press release.
Nicholson graduated from Shorter University in 2005 with degrees in both music education and vocal performance.
After graduation, she moved to Massachusetts where she was a spokesperson for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She also taught middle school.
In 2008, she returned to Georgia where she worked as the assistant director of recruitment in the arts and choral manager at Shorter University.
She moved to Columbus in June.
“Having lived in larger communities, the warmth and friendliness of Columbus is an exciting and welcome change,” Nicholson said in the press release.
Brandt Galloway, president of the Main Street board of directors, said Nicholson’s fresh outlook will be an asset to the organization.
“We are excited to have Nickie as the new director for Main Street Columbus,” he said. “She is very enthusiastic and will provide a fresh perspective in addition to maintaining the successful programs and events we’ve had over the past several years.”
Nicholson’s hiring concluded a two-month search after Brislin announced her resignation in September. The board began accepting applications in October.
Galloway added that while Brislin will be missed, he and fellow board members are confident Nicholson is the right person for the job.
“Amber Brislin has done a tremendous job at Main Street and we anticipate Nickie will continue to build on the success we’ve had,” he said. “I think the community will really enjoy working with Nickie.”
Brislin said she will work with Nicholson and Main Street Columbus through any transitional period that might be necessary.
“I have absolutely loved my time with Main Street Columbus and want to make sure my replacement is set up for success,” she said. “I am more than willing to take the time necessary to make sure all of the projects and programs of Main Street Columbus keep progressing as they should. ”
As director, Nicholson will coordinate such events as the New Year’s Eve Block Party, Market Street Festival, Sounds of Summer and the Hitching Lot Farmer’s Market, as well as numerous other downtown events.
Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.
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