By Nicole Daughhetee
Courier Staff

PICKENS — The first executive director hired to oversee the Pickens Revitalization Association, dedicated to the preservation, enhancement and sustainable growth of Pickens’ historic downtown area, has resigned.
Kristen Henry, who has been the only director of the organization since its formation in 2011, resigned at the end of December.

According to city of Pickens human resources director Denise Dyer, Henry left the PRA to seek full-time employment.

Currently, the PRA’s executive director position is part-time and does not include benefits.Dyer said the city of Pickens is actively seeking a new hire.

“We have placed ads with the Municipal Association of South Carolina,” said Dyer. “We’ve put out as many feelers as we can so we can find the most qualified person to fill this position.”

Dyer said the city has no specific deadline to hire a replacement, but officials hope to have someone in the position soon.

With a primary focus on the downtown area of Pickens, the PRA works in conjunction with the larger Main Street South Carolina program designed to transform the way communities think about the revitalization and management of their downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.