The Kent Downtown Partnership has selected Barbara Smith of Shelton, Wash., as the group’s new executive director.

Smith will replace Jacquie Alexander, who is retiring at the end of the month. Smith will start June 9.

According to her resume, Smith presently works as the deputy director of tourism for Grays Harbor County.

During her time in Grays Harbor, Smith worked to increase tourism and oversaw a 24 percent increase in funding from the county’s motel and lodging tax.

Prior to joining Grays Harbor in 2000, Smith worked as the executive director of the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce.

Smith was chosen from more than 100 applicants for the position, according to Mike Miller, a KDP board member and part of the four-person selection committee that chose Smith for the position.

Smith will be the group’s third director in 17 years.

“She’ll be here June 9 and we’re excited,” Miller said.

Contact Kent Reporter General assignment reporter Brian Beckley at bbeckley@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5054.

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