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HAMMONTON—As with anything, time brings changes. Mica McCullough’s recent announcement that she is stepping down from her position as the Executive Director of MainStreet Hammonton begins a new era for the program. For eighteen months McCullough has held the reigns, notably developing strong operational policies and procedures solidifying the foundational structure of the organization while advancing its projects and programs.
In a letter to downtown businesses, Richard Rehmann, HRC Board President, informed them of the organizational change and their appreciation for the work McCullough had done. He also ensured those businesses that the organization will continue their focus and commitment.
“While we are saddened by this news, we are focused on ensuring a smooth transition and continuing the progress made over the past 18 months. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions to the organization and the downtown community,” Rehmann said.
McCullough began her role as Executive Director in March of 2022. Having lived in Hammonton for about eight years, and in the time having been involved in a number of different organizations, she had met a lot of people and developed an appreciation for downtown, its businesses and what was a unique Hammonton experience.
She enjoyed the variety her role in MainStreet Hammonton provided. Being a Hammonton resident and seeing the role the downtown played in everyday life for the residents, she had a desire to advance the work of the organization.
“The idea of being able to make such a visible impact on the community was really important. So, whether that’s helping businesses open, orchestrating various events, or having different kinds of flowers planted in the boxes, whatever it was, even tiny changes are still very visible. And make a big difference,” she said.
While McCullough was key in the visible events MainStreet has presented over the past 20 months of her leadership, she was most proud of what many have not seen.
“I am really proud of the…, this is funny after what I just said, changes that I have made to the infrastructure within the organization, the processes, the structure of interconnectedness between the committees. I think that was important,” McCullough said.
A notable and visible public event under McCullough’s leadership was the Gala put on last March. And while her organizational groundwork was key to the event, she is quick to point out the cohesive connection and collection of stakeholders that makes MainStreet Hammonton work, especially in such an event coinciding with the organization’s 40th anniversary.
“I think that watching the board members and the volunteers and the fundraising committee pull that event off was a huge organizational success,” McCullough said.
Events like the Gala, grants, event sponsors and donations combine to allow the work of MainStreet Hammonton to continue. The ongoing existence of the MainStreet Hammonton organization continues to be the focus of the Board of Directors.
McCullough’s choice to step down was a tough one. However, balance was a key factor in her decision-making process.
“So, I am at a point in my life where I’m really trying to find more personal, professional balance,” she said. “I, at this point in our lives am seeking grand scale simplification.”
McCullough and her husband’s plans are to remain in the community continually frequenting the same businesses and restaurants she has spent the last twenty months supporting. Hammonton, according to McCullough “Its still our hometown and it still has a huge place in our hearts.”
Rehmann’s letter to the businesses provided a level of comfort in exactly how the transition of leadership should go in the coming months. He complimented McCullough on the work she had done often behind the scenes that helped the program move on and for solidifying a firm foundation for the future and for the organization’s next executive director.
“We are confident that the steps we’re taking will allow for seamless continuity. The Executive Committee has developed a plan focused on transition, the search for a new director, onboarding, and organizational growth. Our immediate focus will be on upcoming events and successfully closing out 2024. Thanks to improved documentation and operational templates, we have a solid foundation in place for not only events but other key tasks. We’re also fortunate to have the support of our extended team, dedicated volunteers, and Board members during this period,” Rehmann said.
McCullough’s last day was Thursday, October 31. She shared a parting thought for those individuals and businesses who were connected to the organization during her tenure.
“I thank them for their patience. Because this is a big role. It’s a lot to learn. And I’m very grateful for the businesses that allowed me the grace to have that very public learning curve.
And I want to make sure that it’s said that I have a lot of hope for the future of the organization. I think that it is really set up for success. And I am really looking forward to hearing how the next director is able to take the small layer of topsoil that I added and grow a really beautiful program,” she said.
While the organization will face the temporary void created by McCullough’s departure, they also are looking toward the future. That future will continue to be one built on working together according to Rehmann.
“The success of our Downtown is a collaborative effort, and we are all in this together,” Rehmann said.