Katherine Hayes is saying good-bye to the Troy Main Street organization after 15 months on the job as executive director.

Hayes’ resignation was announced last week by the nonprofit Main Street downtown revitalization organization.

She is taking an economic development position in Greater Cincinnati. The organization asked that she not yet reveal its name.

Hayes will depart Dec. 31. Until then, she is working closely with Stephanie Silk, Main Street’s marketing and events coordinator, who will serve as the interim director.

Hayes, who is from northern Kentucky, joined the local Main Street organization in fall 2014. She previously served a Main Street program in Coos Bay, Oregon, with AmeriCorps.

The new job offer “came out of the blue,” Hayes said, adding the decision to leave Troy was “very, very difficult.”

In the end, it was a personal decision, allowing her to be closer to family, she said.

“It has been really neat to be a part of Troy development. Troy is on such a positive track,” Hayes said.

Will Harrelson, 2015 Main Street board president, said Hayes “was a tremendous advocate for our downtown” whose enthusiasm for economic development and small town life will be missed.

“We really appreciated her contribution of new programming that she brought from her previous position as a main street director. The Board of Trustees for Troy Main Street thanks her for her effort and energy and wish her well in her future career endeavors,” Harrelson said.

Ben Redick, who will be Main Street board president next year, agreed.

“We wish nothing but the best for Katherine and appreciate the time and effort she has put forth with Troy Main Street. As we move forward, we will continue to fill the executive director’s position with someone who shares both the vision of Troy Main Street and its membership, and will perform the duties diligently and passionately,” Redick said.

The board will begin an executive director search soon but has been in touch already with local and regional economic development organizations about the opportunity, Harrelson said.

He said the board is confident in Silk’s ability to continue the day to day operations and preparations for an expanded 2016 during which there will be a focus on year-round programming and an expanded Troy Streets Alive event.

More information about Troy Main Street and its activities is available at www.troymainstreet.org.