The Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority is searching for a new leader. The board is trying to distance itself from the former head of the organization.
Board member Cynthia Tunnicliff says expectations are high for a new director.
“I hope they hit the ground running and be able to do a lot of promotional activities for the betterment of downtown Tallahassee,” she says.
Former Downtown Improvement Authority Executive Director Paige Carter Smith and city Commissioner Scott Maddox, were suspended from their posts following a 44-count federal indictment over public corruption.
Authority Board Chair Chris Dudley says the issues surrounding Carter Smith occurred before she was named Executive Director.
“I feel like the board members that serve on this are upstanding people that have a real interest and passion for the downtown community. I’m not sure I see any concern for anybody to come in.”
The board is hoping to recommend finalist for the new job by mid-February. The charges Carter Smith and Maddox are facing include racketeering, extortion, bank fraud and more stemming from their government-consulting firm.