ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) has its new leader.

The organization has chosen Nan Rohrer to be the new chief executive officer after a nationwide search. The Yale educated Rohrer has more than 20 years of experience in planning, downtown revitalization, and economic development in Baltimore.

“Downtown Ithaca is well known nationally as a unique community gathering place filled with local dining and retail, cultural experiences, concerts, festivals, and much more than make it the center of the city and region,” said Rohrer. “I am excited to bring my expertise to Ithaca and build upon the great success of the DIA and downtown already achieved under Gary’s years of extraordinary vision and leadership. Together with the dedicated staff, board, partners, and community, we will further Downtown Ithaca’s vitality and enjoyment for those who live, work, study, and visit here.”

Rohrer will take over in July for Gary Ferguson, who is retiring at the end of the month after 24 years as executive director with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.