Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Downtown Springfield Inc. has officially named Jay Shanle as its new executive director after he served in the role on an interim basis. Shanle will officially begin his new role April 6.

Shanle, who previously worked as the organization’s director of communications and spent six years on its board of directors, said stepping into the permanent position is an opportunity he’s grateful for after gaining hands-on experience in the role.

“I got my feet wet within the organization,” Shanle said, adding that he’s excited to continue building on that work.

One of Shanle’s top priorities will be implementing a new “transformation strategy” for downtown, following a Main Street recommendation that evaluated how the area is currently used and how DSI can better support it.

That strategy emphasizes arts, culture and entertainment as key drivers for downtown’s future.

The effort included asset mapping to identify what already exists in the area. Shanle noted there are more than 30 places to eat and drink downtown, along with a growing number of entertainment options such as concerts, live shows, comedy and trivia events.

“We looked at what’s already there,” Shanle said, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch. “That focus was on arts, culture and entertainment.”

Shanle said the strategy helps define both the current state of downtown and what it could become moving forward.

As he steps into the role, one of his immediate focuses will be parking, an issue he said he has been working on with the city and other stakeholders for several months.

“I’m hoping in the next couple weeks we will have an answer regarding our private lots downtown,” Shanle said.

He said progress depends on action from the city, including moving proposals through the ordinance process as part of a broader downtown master plan.

Shanle emphasized that as downtown evolves, DSI must adapt as well.

“We can’t just continue to do the same thing and pat ourselves on the back and say, ‘Hey, we’re doing a great job,’” he said. “We need to adjust.”

While new initiatives are in the works, Shanle said DSI will continue hosting familiar events such as markets, holiday walks, and other popular events.

“Really, it’s about what more we can do,” he said.

Shanle also encouraged community members to get involved, inviting anyone interested in supporting downtown Springfield to reach out and contribute.

“Let’s get some things done,” he said.