Kayla Oney will be the new director of Emporia Main Street.
Board president Michael Black announced the decision this morning. Oney has worked for the downtown development organization since May 2006, first as an assistant to the previous director, Mary Helmer, and then as interim director.
“Kayla was just very, very professional,” Black said. “To me, when you’ve got someone who’s that professional and has the background she does, we’re fortunate to get her.”
Oney will remain a part-time director until May, when she graduates from Emporia State University with her bachelor of fine arts degree. She is a communications major, with a concentration in public relations and a minor in business.
Oney originally got into economic development as a high school senior, when she started working for the Wabaunsee County economic development coordinator in Alma. She was also a student assistant in the Emporia State University career services office before coming to Emporia Main Street.
Black said Oney’s experience with Wabaunsee County and Main Street helped, as did her experience in writing grants.
“She has already successfullly written grants for another agency,” Black said. “That separated her from the rest for me.”
Oney was one of three candidates for the job.
Helmer directed Emporia Main Street from 1997 until this year. She is now the assistant state coordinator for Kansas Main Street.