News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Lesslee Dort works on the new DDA budget Tuesday. The DDA announced Monday that Dort has resigned effective March 10 to accept a job with Friends Together.

ALPENA — There is a much different look and vibe in downtown Alpena than there was five years ago. In the coming years there are sure to be more changes that will enhance it as well, but there will be a different face leading the Alpena Downtown Development Authority.

The improvements made, as well as ones that are in the planning stages, have the fingerprints of DDA Executive Director Lesslee Dort, who announced Monday she is stepping down on March 10 as director to accept another job with Friends Together.

Dort said the decision to resign was a difficult one, but one she put a lot of thought into. She said she has been involved as a volunteer with Friends Together for some time and her new position will allow her to help those impacted by cancer. Dort said the move is not tied to anything happening in the DDA or because of any unhappiness, but the new job was something that appealed to her.

“It came about pretty quickly and it was unplanned. I’m happy in my role and wasn’t looking for a new job,” she said. “The opportunity came up and I followed it where it led me.”

DDA President Mike Mahler said in a statement that Dort has helped to further the evolution of downtown and set the stage for further growth. He said the DDA was well served by her dedication, talent and leadership.

“The DDA has never looked better and there is no denying her imprint on our downtown over her five year tenure,” Mahler said. “Our loss is another organization’s gain.”

Dort said one of the things she is most proud of since she took the DDA job is watching the business owners come together to play a more active role. She said before many counted on the DDA to plan events and lead initiatives, but now they are taking it upon themselves to stir up interest and activity downtown.

Dort said all the progress made downtown was a team effort and credited the DDA board, city, Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, Alpena Convention and Visitors Bureau with what has been accomplished. She said working alongside all of the partners was one of the things she enjoys about her job.

“None of the things we were able to do or are doing is something I did by myself,” Dort said. “There are a multitude of people involved.”

Dort said she is somewhat saddened that she won’t be involved with some of the ongoing projects that she will be unable to see through until completion. She said the transformation of Second Avenue from one-way traffic to two-way traffic is one such project, as well as other business development projects that are on the horizon.

“The DDA as a whole are behind these things and I think they are going to be great for the downtown,” Dort said. “Change isn’t always easy and can be scary, but I think these changes and improvements will be great for downtown and the business owners.”

Mahler said the DDA will begin looking for Dort’s replacement immediately. Dort said she is in the process of writing up a job description for the board to use as a guide during the interview process. She said she also will be available to help with the transition, if the board desires.

“I’m not going to walk away and not look back,” Dort said. “The level that I’ll be involved in training will be up to the board, but I’ll be more than happy to help. I’m proud of what we have done downtown and there is more hope for downtown than ever before. I still want to be a part of it in however I can.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.