Day to leave Saco Main Street

Saco Main Street's 2021 Pumpkin Harvest Festival drew many people to the downtown. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM SWAIN

Liz Gotthelf, Publisher•

SACO — Saco Main Street Executive Director Jennifer Day will soon be leaving the position.

Saco Main Street is a nonprofit organization focused on economic development, promoting the city’s downtown, and hosting community events including a summer concert series and an annual car show.

Day, who became executive director of the nonprofit in July, said her last day will be Jan. 12, the end of her six-month introductory period.

“There were several factors influencing the decision, but ultimately it comes down to work/life balance and making the best decisions for me and my family. After working 10 out of 26 weekends and missing all of my daughter's college tours, it unfortunately became evident I would never get these moments back,” said Day.

She said her husband recently started a new job, and because he will have a less flexible schedule, she would like to be able to be in a more supportive role in her family’s household.

Day said she will be returning to real estate as her primary career focus, and will maintain a couple of independent marketing clients.

“The board is grateful for the time and energy Jenn dedicated to Saco Main Street. She came to us with a positive, can-do attitude and checked off many to-do items,” said Angela Presby, president of Saco Main Street Board of Directors in a written statement. “The board is in a better position for future success with the efforts she put forth. We wish Jenn the best of luck in her future endeavors.”

Day is one of two paid staff at Saco Main Street, which is governed by a board of directors and relies on volunteers to carry out its mission.

“As a longtime volunteer and (former) council liaison to Saco Main Street I am saddened to see the loss of our third executive director in under two years. I hope we can see something, or someone, in place with more solid footing in the coming months during budget season,” said Ward 6 City Councilor Jodi MacPhail, former council liaison to Saco Main Street.

Saco Main Street is an accredited program of the National Main Street Center.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.