In a news release Monday, the board of directors of the Downtown Hays Development Corporation announced Traci Stanford, a native of Spearville, has been named executive director of the DHDC.

“This is an exciting day for Hays, Kansas,” said Stacey Smith, board president.“Traci served as the executive director previously before her family relocated to another community. She and her family have now returned to our fine community. Her passion and commitment to the sustainable growth of Downtown Hays, as well as to the success of our merchants, will lead us to the next level. She, along with the board of directors, will continue taking the steps necessary to realize a successful future for downtown Hays. Please join the board in providing Traci with a warm welcome.”

Stanford replaces Megan Colsen, who resigned last month.

“My family and I are so excited to be back in Hays. Our hearts never left this community where progress and meaningful growth are the norm,” Stanford said. “Downtown Hays improves the quality of life for not only Hays residents but all residents of western Kansas. I am pleased to be at the helm of this great organization once again working with the city of Hays, downtown merchants and citizens of Hays.”

DHDC is led by a board of 13 volunteer directors from all sectors of the community. The DHDC is a privately and publicly funded corporation and receives funding from the city of Hays as an outside agency. The DHDC also holds a fundraiser annually called Wines & Steins and hosts other community events throughout the year.

In addition to those funding sources, the DHDC has an annual partnership program that allows for individuals and businesses to financially contribute to the corporation. These funds are used for operating and long term projects in Downtown Hays. Other events are supported by local business and individual sponsorship.

The DHDC has been instrumental in encouraging the successful growth and expansion of the downtown Hays district over the past several years.