HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Downtown Hattiesburg Association (DHA) has announced the retirement of Executive Director Andrea Saffle after a decade of service and leadership. Saffle will retire in December 2024, leaving a legacy of collaboration and project work that has driven millions of dollars in economic investment and revitalization.
Since taking the helm in 2014, Saffle has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have been pivotal to the district’s growth. Her work has ranged from design projects aimed at enhancing curb appeal and landscaping to organizing large-scale events such as the Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival and Star-Spangled Celebration. Among many accomplishments, Saffle was also instrumental in the creation of the ‘Go-Cup’ District, as well as wayfinding signage and lighting projects in downtown.
DHA Board President Anna Rush praised Saffle’s impact during her tenure.
“I moved back to Hattiesburg during Andrea’s tenure and chose to make Downtown Hattiesburg my home thanks in large part to the efforts made by her and DHA to make Downtown the thriving community that it is now,” Rush said. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know Andrea and an honor working with her. She has a sincere love for Downtown and has worked hard to ensure it’s set up for a bright future.”
Saffle’s tenure was marked by thriving partnerships with both the City of Hattiesburg and the Forrest County Board of Supervisors.
“Downtown Hattiesburg is riding a wave of economic and cultural momentum, and its renaissance is unfolding before our eyes,” said Mayor Barker. “Andrea Saffle has provided steady leadership and fierce advocacy over the past decade, and her ability to unify so many groups, businesses and individuals around a common vision will be one of her many legacies.”
A long-time resident of Hattiesburg and a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Saffle plans to remain closely connected to the Hub City.
“When I look back on where we started, it brings me great joy to see where we are today. It has been an incredible journey to watch Downtown Hattiesburg flourish over the last ten years, and I am honored to have had the privilege of serving in a leadership capacity during this important time in our city’s history,” Saffle said. “I am thankful to the countless people and organizations who believed in our potential downtown and invested alongside DHA to grow with us. I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
In recent months, DHA completed a revitalization roadmap plan, outlining goals and objectives for each of the four points of Main Street. Numerous downtown partners and property owners contributed to the planning process.
“We are thankful for Andrea’s insight and assistance on our recently completed roadmap plan. With her help, we have been able to identify our core goals and define our transformational strategies for a successful future,” said Rush. “We will build upon the solid foundation we have today, and we wish her the very best as she begins a well-deserved next chapter.”
Details on a retirement celebration will be announced soon, along with updates on the search for a new executive director.
About Downtown Hattiesburg Association
The Downtown Hattiesburg Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization, promotion, and economic development of Hattiesburg’s historic downtown district. Through community collaboration and innovative initiatives, the organization works to enhance the quality of life for residents and create a vibrant environment for businesses, arts, and culture.