Share: 

Karen Falk resigns from Rehoboth Beach Main Street

Leaves organization after less than a year as executive director
March 22, 2019

Story Location:
509 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States

Just seven months into her first year, Karen Falk has resigned as Rehoboth Beach Main Street executive director.

Falk was announced as executive director in August. Her last day was March 15.

In a prepared statement March 20, Falk said her reason for leaving is to take a deep breath and enjoy time with family while setting course for her next career move.

“Major changes are healthy, and when the need is recognized, those changes must be made,” she said.

Falk said her time with Main Street was an incredible journey that allowed her to work with many amazing people throughout the city. She said she worked hard and endless hours as Main Street’s only employee to help lift those sails.

Many important new projects are underway with Main Street’s four committees, said Falk. Main Street now has overwhelming 100 percent support from city leadership, she said.

Rehoboth Beach Main Street President Edward Chrzanowski said he and the rest of the board are grateful to Falk for her enthusiasm and hard work in moving the Main Street organization forward.

“We wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors,” said Chrzanowski, in a prepared statement March 20.

Falk’s resignation is the latest hiccup for an organization founded in 1996 but disbanded in May 2016. In March 2017, a new board of directors organized. Later that year, in November, the city commissioners gave Main Street $20,000 in temporary funding and use of city-owned office space near Rehoboth Beach Museum. The organization received $50,000 in funding from the city in 2018 and was just awarded another $50,000 for 2019.

Lorraine Dion, a veteran of Main Street in Dover and Middletown, was appointed as interim director for Rehoboth Beach Main Street while the board looked to fill the position last year. She will again be the interim director while the board looks to replace Falk.

Chrzanowski said Dion has more than 15 years of experience as a Main Street professional, serving as executive director for three Main Street organizations, and as a consultant for the Downtown Delaware Main Street Mentoring Team. Dion is Delaware’s first national certified Main Street manager, he said.

Chrzanowski said all Rehoboth Beach Main Street initiatives remain on course, and there is no anticipated disruption in programming or projects.

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter