News release
Downtown Hays Development Corporation today announced Sara Bloom has resigned as executive director. As of May 23, Bloom has accepted a new position with the Kansas Department of Commerce as a Community Development Specialist.
"I am incredibly grateful for DHDC and its opportunities. Downtown Hays is an extraordinary place, and the area and people will continue to hold a place in my heart," Bloom said. "In my new role, I will be responsible for two tax credit programs and influencing the success of communities like ours across the state. It's a very exciting next step for me. I feel like I have made an impact on Hays, and I hope I can do the same for many other communities.”
Bloom has worked for DHDC since February 2015. Her last day will be June 10, but she will not be leaving the community. The new role will allow Bloom and her family, husband Kael, and their four children to still reside in Hays.
Bloom holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from Fort Hays State University. She was named 2014 Volunteer of the Year by the Cancer Council of Ellis County and is a 2015 Graduate of Leadership Hays. Bloom is also an award-winning Graphic Designer winning the 2015 MARCOM Gold Award. She was named the Hays Chamber's 2017 Rising Star to recognize leadership and service within her profession and the community. In addition, bloom's event planning and marketing efforts have earned state recognition from Kansas' Travel Industry for DHDC in 2019 and 2020. She is currently a part of the 2022 Leadership Kansas class.
DHDC would like to thank Bloom for her dedication and impact on the community and wishes her and her family the best in their future endeavors.
"Though we are saddened to lose Sara as executive director, we wish her the very best," stated DHDC President Julie Rider. "She has been instrumental in the success of Downtown Hays these past seven years. She has been instrumental in the development of the area, created new events for the community to enjoy, supported Downtown businesses, brought state and national attention to the organization, and increased DHDC's operating budget by over 80%."
Bloom's proudest accomplishment since joining DHDC is planning and completing the Downtown Hays Pavilion. The 44' x 84' open-air structure is a testament to how not for profits, municipalities, and universities can work together to create something significant in their communities that will stand for generations. The project was honored to receive a 2019 International Downtown Association Excellence Award in Public Space. Bloom is also responsible for creating the Brews on The Bricks craft beer festival, the Farm to Fork dinner event, expanding the Downtown Hays Market, the designation of Main Street at the state level, and many other accomplishments.
Corrected 12 p.m. Monday to clarify Bloom accepted the position with the Commerce Department in May.