As a newly Designated Main Street Alabama City in 2023, Downtown Russellville Collective “Russellville Main Street” has announced Yaneli Bahena as the full time Executive Director, effective April 15.
A lifelong resident of Russellville, she was educated in Russellville City Schools and is co-owner of a downtown small business.
“I’m excited to be a part of this organization and cannot wait to pour into our downtown,” Bahena explained. “Russellville has so much potential to be a place that people want to visit and live. With it being a historic downtown, I hope I’m able to bring it back to life and continue traditions. My aspiration is to be a representative voice for my community, fostering pride among all residents and supporting the success of downtown businesses regardless of ownership background. Leveraging the resources provided by Main Street, I am confident that this is possible.”
“We’re very much looking forward to Yaneli joining our team,” said board president Mitch McKinney. “With her experience as a small business owner in the downtown district, her energy and ability to bridge the gaps with all cultures of the district, we are excited to see what can be done in the future.”
McKinney said the board had been looking to fill the position since the departure of Ann Epperson McDermitt. “She worked with us through the designation and initial organization, then decided to pursue a different career path,” he added.
About Russellville Main Street
The Downtown Russellville Collective d/b/a “Russellville Main Street” is a 501(c)(3) formed to stimulate downtown revitalization in the City of Russellville, Ala., through organization, economic vitality, promotion and design. The organization will encourage public-private partnerships, community engagement, attract visitors and spur growth.
About Main Street Alabama
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 over 40-year model that focuses work in four areas: organization, design, promotion, and economic vitality with strategies unique to the community and based on market-based outcome. Visit www.mainstreetalabama.org for more information.