After serving as a member of the board, Kelly Thomas was appointed director of the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority in January 2022. Thomas, along with the authority’s board members, is charged with implementing the Forward Decatur Plan and providing continuity for downtown projects through changing administrations. She is a liaison between city and county offices, an advocate of downtown Decatur to state and federal elected officials, and a promoter of the area to potential developers.

In support of existing businesses located in the downtown area, Thomas will work closely with Alabama’s Main Street organization, downtown property owners, and merchants. She brings together local citizens, corporations, and business owners, encouraging them to become active partners in the redevelopment and promotion of downtown Decatur.