Since June 2003, downtown Oxford has been Michelle Bishop’s figurative baby as executive director of the Oxford Community Development Authority.
But now that she’s expecting a real baby, Bishop decided it was time to step down from her position effective Dec. 22.
Bishop, of Berkley, and her husband, Joel, are expecting their first child in April 2005.
Submitting her resignation was a ‘hard decision, but the right one,? she told this reporter on Thursday.
‘I do not feel that I can devote my full attention to deliver upon the expectations I have set forth for this position,? Bishop stated in her letter of resignation.
Bishop said she simply ‘won’t have the time? that ‘should be, needs to be and must be? devoted to ‘taking the Main Street program where it needs to go? in downtown Oxford.
Downtown Oxford was named a Main Street Oakland County community Sept. 22, which means it’s eligible for a multitude of free technical assistance from professionals and experts in a variety of fields, all of which are geared toward revitalizing traditional downtowns while preserving their heritage.
‘The OCDA is in a very good position to achieve many great things,? Bishop wrote in her letter of resignation. ‘It will be most advantageous for you to search for an individual that can step in, keep the momentum going, and begin with all of you in your efforts towards making the Main Street Program successful for downtown Oxford.?
Bishop said officials are currently engaged in a ‘pretty aggressive search? for her replacement. The OCDA is accepting resumes until Dec. 17. Questions about the position may be directed to OCDA Chairperson Sue Bossardet at 628-0584 or ocda@villageofoxford.org.