Sidney Alive founding executive director Amy Breinich has announced her departure, and Dan Gutman has been named as the organization’s interim director.

Breinich, whose last day will be Sept. 23, said in a press release she felt it was time for new ideas.

“Effective leaders recognize when it’s time to step down and allow new leadership to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to an organization. This promotes sustainability, growth, adaptability, and avoids complacency,” Breinich said of her decision to resign. “My vision for the Sidney Alive organization was for it to continue to grow beyond my leadership and not become dependent on a single leader. I want to encourage a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.”

Breinich said the organization was created with a goal to breathe life back into downtown Sidney.

From the beginning the organization brought together stakeholders, policymakers, and business/property owners to collaborate on solutions for downtown revitalization.

The mission of Sidney Alive is strengthen the core of our downtown culture by fostering economic development, historic preservation and community events that engages the public through the entrepreneurial spirit of our residents and businesses.

For the last 11 years, Breinich has been the downtown director. Her journey with Downtown Sidney began under the umbrella of the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. When the goals and objectives began to outgrow the Chamber, stakeholders, along with Breinich, founded Sidney Alive in 2016.

As the years progressed new businesses opened, perspectives began to change, and positive energy began to fill the downtown.

“It is with both sadness and deep gratitude that we announce the departure of Amy Breinich,” Sidney City Manager Andrew Bowsher said. “Amy’s unwavering commitment and boundless enthusiasm have been the cornerstone of her work advocating for businesses, growing brand awareness, and crafting vibrant initiatives that celebrate the heart of Sidney’s downtown.

“Amy joined our team 11 years ago, and from day one, she has been a driving force behind the transformation of Sidney’s downtown area. Her innovative approach to community engagement and her dedication to the success of local businesses have left an indelible mark on our city. Under her leadership, we have seen remarkable growth in both foot traffic and business vitality, as well as the creation of numerous beloved events that have brought our community together.

“While we are excited for her as she moves on to new opportunities, all of us who have had the pleasure of working with her will deeply feel her absence. Her infectious enthusiasm, strategic acumen, and genuine care for the community have given her stature in Sidney. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide our efforts to enhance the vitality of Sidney Alive.

“‘Downtown Amy’ has been a true friend and confidant, and I commend her for bringing true passion to our community. When you live in a small town like ours, the balance of personal and professional lives tends to mesh together. Which makes the work/life balance that much harder to navigate. I wish Amy many successes in her new and more balanced role. I know she will continue to make Sidney proud even working outside the community.”

Board President, Jeremy Lorenzo, had this to say about Sidney Alive’s transition in leadership: “The growth and revitalized focus that our beautiful downtown has experienced over the past several years are a direct result of Amy’s hard work and dedication to this community. It’s disappointing to lose an asset like Amy. She will be missed, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

“The executive committee has named Dan Gutman as the Interim Director of Sidney Alive. In Dan’s short time as the events coordinator at Sidney Alive, he has brought a new sense of energy and focus to the Sidney Alive office. We are excited to watch him grow in this new role and eager to see the continued growth of our downtown under Dan’s leadership.”

Succession planning gives an organization a tough question: Do you hire someone from outside of the community for fresh perspective or do you hire someone raised in the community for the connections and ties?

According to the organization’s press release, Gutman is the best of both worlds. He and his wife were raised in the community, moved away for several years and are returning now with new perspectives.

“Last December, Dan said he was looking to return to the community, and I instantly knew he was a perfect fit for our newly open Event Coordinator position. We began discussions of him joining the team as well as succession planning for the organization,” Breinich said. “I am confident that all the hard work myself and others have put into Downtown Sidney is in great hands with ‘Dan the Man!’”

Gutman said he is excited to lead the organization.

“When Amy and I began talking last December, it seemed as if fate had drawn our paths together. Amy knew the purpose right away, but I was hesitant to take the leap,” Gutman, who family is relocation to Sidney from the Lima area, said. “After many conversations with family and friends, I realized she was right (she usually is) and I joined the team earlier this year.

“We hit the ground running and haven’t looked back! Now, we’re recognizing the fruition of the plan that started to take root nearly a year ago and, while I wish we had had more time working together, I’m excited to step into the future that had been prepared for us both all along.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead Sidney Alive into its next era and to be able to contribute so significantly to the community that has given me so much.”

Breinich will remain in the Sidney community as a volunteer and citizen for the foreseeable future.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity afforded me to lead in this way. I’m also thankful for my family that supported me through the long hours, long weekends, and so much more. I’m most ecstatic about getting to enjoy the downtown as just a community member and watch Dan, Kristen, and Debbie keep the momentum going!” Breinich said.

An open house will be held for those who would like to wish Breinich well and meet Gutman from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 at Austeria Wine Boutique.

For more information about Sidney Alive or Downtown Sidney, visit SidneyAlive.org or call 937-658-6945.