- April 26, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Thomas Caffrey, MainStreet Volunteer of the Year; Nancy Cortez, president of MainStreet's board of directors; and Becky Parker, MainStreet executive director. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Becky Parker, MainStreet executive director, speaks during the annual celebration on Monday, Oct. 17. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Thomas Caffrey and Becky Parker share a hug after his award. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Nancy Cortez, president of the Ormond MainStreet board of directors. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Nancy Cortez embraces Becky Parker after the announcement of her new position. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond MainStreet annually holds a celebration to thank its community partners. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Nancy Cortez and Becky Parker. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach MainStreet is celebrating its 27th anniversary, and it officially has a new — but familiar — face leading the nonprofit.
Becky Parker was named the organization's executive director during MainStreet's annual celebration at 31 Supper Club on Monday, Oct. 17. She had been recently serving as interim as MainStreet sought a new director after Julia Truilo retired. The organization had filled the position briefly during the summer, but soon found themselves in need of a director once again.
"We're not looking for an executive director anymore," said Nancy Cortez, president of the Ormond MainStreet board of directors. "We're looking for an assistant."
Cheers and applause rang out among the attendees as Cortez handed the microphone off to Parker, who expressed her excitement and passion for the city and MainStreet.
"As we approach the end of the year I look back, and I'm just really proud of how resilient we are as an organization."
Becky Parker, executive director for Ormond Beach MainStreet
Parker has been working with MainStreet since 2014, previously holding the position of community engagement and events coordinator. The past year, with Truilo's departure, has been one of transition, Parker said, but most of those transitions have been positive.
"As we approach the end of the year I look back, and I'm just really proud of how resilient we are as an organization," Parker said. "How our board members have stepped up to help where they needed to, and the way that we've been able to bring in new volunteers, new sponsors, new committee members and in a time that's a little bit challenging, we've been able to take on new projects as well."
Parker was introduced to MainStreet during an annual celebration event, shortly after she moved to Florida. At the time, she hadn't planned to stay for very long, but Parker said she quickly fell in love with Ormond Beach.
"Now, Ormond has become my home, and the community has become my family," Parker said.
She was encouraged to step into the role of executive director by Truilo, MainStreet's board of directors, community members and longtime Florida MainStreet executive directors.
"Julia [Truilo] has been such an extraordinary person to work alongside and learn from, and she is someone who leads by example," Parker said. "I've been so fortunate to have her as a mentor all these years."
She's also proud of having been able to host the Florida MainStreet conference in September, which allowed Ormond Beach MainStreet to present its district to representatives from the state and national level. For this upcoming year, Parker said she's excited to lead new projects, as well as continue MainStreet's broader goal to "maintain and build upon the successes we've already enjoyed, and work with the community, our businesses, and our city partners towards a strong and vibrant center of town."
"There is something very special and unique about Ormond Beach, and OMS will always work to preserve that magic," Parker said.
The annual celebration by MainStreet is an opportunity to recognize and thank partners and supporters for their support, Parker said. The organization also recognized its Volunteer of the Year: Thomas Caffrey, real estate agent with Realty Pros Assured.
Ormond Beach MainStreet was founded in 1994.
