SACO — The search is on for a new executive director for the downtown economic development group Saco Main Street.

The organization has been advertising for the full-time position since Nov. 30 and is accepting applications until Dec. 17.

Linda Edgarton is currently serving as the organization’s interim executive director. Former Executive Director Nadeen DeSilva left the position at the end of June.

Saco Main Street Board Chairwoman Bette Brunswick and City Economic Development Director William Mann said the position will shift from being focused mostly on event organization to working directly with and engaging businesses and property owners. Brunswick said the executive director should be the “touch person” for people who want to bring a new business into the downtown. Mann said the new executive director’s duties could include helping property owners fill vacancies and looking for complimentary businesses – such as a wedding dress boutique near a flower shop – for a building or neighborhood.

Under the National Main Street Center four-point approach, the executive director should oversee volunteer and committee driven work in the areas of organization, promotion, design and economic vitality.

Brunswick and Mann said the volunteer-driven organization will still hold its annual downtown events, as they are important to the community.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].