Served as executive director since March 2013

The new year will also mean a new Executive Director of Ironton aLive.

Jon Ferguson, who served in the position since March of 2013, resigned this past Thursday. The announcement came a day after the civic organization’s board had its monthly meeting.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce I will be resigning my position as Executive Director of Ironton aLive,” Ferguson wrote in his letter of resignation. “I have spent the last couple years working as hard as I could to improve the image, respect and profitability of Ironton. With the help of some spectacular people, I feel the last two years have brought about a change in perception and attitude toward this city.”

The mission statement on www.irontonalive.com states the group’s purpose is encouraging and stimulating commercial growth in Ironton.

“This purpose will be achieved by building cooperation and leadership among the commercial interests in Ironton, promoting a positive image of Ironton as a great place to live, work and do business; encouraging and promoting improvements to the physical appearance of the downtown and other areas of the city; strengthening and broadening the economic base of the Ironton Community; and to receive and administer funds in furtherance of the corporation’s purpose,” according to the website.

In his resignation letter, Ferguson said during his time as executive director he “made contact with some of the best people I’ll probably ever know” and vowed to continue working toward a better Ironton.

In a phone interview on Saturday Ferguson said although he is no longer involved with Ironton aLive, his mindset is unchanged.

“I plan to continue working on the Great River Raffle and other big projects with the Friends of Ironton,” he said. “I have thought a little bit about entering the realm of politics in the future, too. Ultimately I just hope Ironton aLive and the community and businesses supported by it continue to grow along with new, young leadership.”

Katrina Keith, chair of the Ironton aLive Board of Directors, said Ferguson accomplished things that will have a lasting impression.

“I am excited about what Jon did for Ironton aLive during his time as executive director,” she said. “He was able to promote the business district through social media and get young people involved in what we are trying to do.”