Press ReleaseAfter a nationwide search, Marietta Main Street is excited to announce Sam Tuten as its new Executive Director, with his official start date being Wednesday, September 26th.
Before joining Marietta Main Street, Sam worked as the City Planner for the City of Parkersburg, overseeing the Planning Division within the Development Department. A graduate of Marietta High School, Sam lived in Charleston, South Carolina before moving back to the Mid-Ohio Valley, where he completed his Masters in Public Administration after earning a B.A. from The Ohio State University in Regional Planning.
A Marietta native, Sam looks forward to bringing his experience in city planning and economic development back to his hometown. “Marietta is the first city that I fell in love with, and a main reason why I chose to go into the planning field,” said Sam. “As I grew up in Marietta, I would be traveling down a street, and in my mind I would always be envisioning what I call the “what could be” while taking in the true beauty of our city.”
Sam is eager to use his skills and knowledge as a City Planner to carry out the mission and vision of Marietta Main Street and continue the momentum the organization has generated within the community.
“Since I have been back in the area, I’ve been able to witness all the successes that Marietta Main Street has accomplished under the leadership of Cristie Thomas and the Board,” Sam said. “I’m excited to keep that momentum going and working alongside local businesses, volunteers, donors, and partners, as well as the City of Marietta, Washington County officials, and all community stakeholders.”
After celebrating the success of its Christmas in July fundraising campaign to fund new holiday décor for downtown, Marietta Main Street is ready to head into a busy fourth quarter which includes a bigger-than-ever Hometown Holidays line-up. “We have a lot to celebrate this year between the return of the Great Marietta Marketplace, the expansion of our Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival, and our spring and summer fundraising campaigns,” said Sarah Arnold, Marietta Main Street Board President. “Our organization is looking forward to working under Sam’s leadership as we round out another terrific year and finalize plans for 2019. The skills Sam brings to the table are just what our organization needs right now.”
Skills aside, it is Sam’s passion for revitalizing the downtown community that made him a perfect fit for this position. “I think Sam has a true passion, not only for Marietta Main Street but for the city of Marietta as a whole,” said Tim Glover, Marietta Main Street Vice President. “I feel he will be a valuable addition to the Main Street family.”
“I hope to bring my passion for Marietta and city planning, and my experience in local government to the revitalization of downtown Marietta and the Harmar district,” said Sam. “I want to make sure we continue to collaborate with our local officials, and the recent announcement of a signed contract for a downtown economic development plan is an accomplished that all leaders involved should be proud about. We will continue to strengthen our mission of bringing people together to preserve, enhance and enjoy downtown.”