ENCINITAS — The Encinitas 101 Main Street Association recently announced that Dody Crawford, the group’s longtime executive director, is retiring.
Crawford, 63, has served at the helm of Encinitas 101 since 2007. Under her leadership, the city’s historic core has continued to grow as a vibrant arts, entertainment, business and dining hub.
The announcement has triggered a number of tributes from the local community.
“Dody Crawford has been a longstanding and highly respected leader in our community, first as a business owner downtown Encinitas — and then as staff member of the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association, now known as Encinitas 101 Mainstreet,” said Jim Gilliam, the city of Encinitas arts director. “Since taking the helm of the organization she has expanded the organization’s programming and mission significantly. Using her artistic skills, she has created many new programs that have expanded the reach of the organization, (and) often involved the creative community. She is a true treasure to Encinitas, and we hope she continues to stay involved with the community.”
Encinitas 101 Main Street, formerly known as the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association, is charged with the continued enhancement and preservation of the city’s historic core through various revitalization, promotion and preservation efforts.
Crawford will step down from her full-time position to help manage some special downtown-related projects, including the renovation of the 86-year-old La Paloma Theatre, as well as spend more time in her relatively new role as grandmother.
“It is the first time that I am a grandparent, and I am very excited to be a grandparent, so I want to spend more time with my grandchild,” Crawford said.
Crawford said she believes one of the biggest accomplishments during her tenure is the transformation of the Encinitas 101 office into a small arts gallery, which she said has given artists who might not otherwise have a chance, a space to showcase their talents.
“We’ve been able to have the artist’s exhibits rotate every six weeks, it has been a great success,” Crawford said.
Crawford said she also has a soft spot for the artistic banners that have periodically flown along the Coast Highway 101 streetlights, which she said have been commissioned by some of the town’s finest artists.
The Main Street Association’s board has established a committee to start a search for the next executive director.
Those interested in the position should email their resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Crawford at dcrawford@encinitas101.com before Oct. 24.
