The Downtown Springdale Alliance on Monday announced that Kelly Hale Syer will serve as its new executive director.
A lifelong resident of northwest Arkansas, Syer has more than 25 years of experience with Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the University of Arkansas, Tyson Foods Inc., Cox Communications and most recently the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Her background includes roles in public relations and marketing, recruitment, community affairs, event planning and fundraising.
Syer replaces the organization's first executive director, Misty Murphy, who held the position for nearly two years and is expected to remain a volunteer contributor.
In addition to leading the DSA, she will take a leadership role in implementing the Downtown Master Plan's infrastructure improvement plan, advocating for and providing project management for urban development projects.
"Building upon the organization's existing energy and momentum of bringing people together to celebrate the city's rich history while creating engaging new traditions is a key to Springdale's future growth, and I can't wait to be part of it all," she said.