The Lehighton Downtown Initiative has a new leader.

Ryan Saunders was named president during the LDI’s general election in which new officers were elected.

Saunders replaced Jared McEvoy, who decided to step down from the position after Rocktoberfest to focus on family.

McEvoy continues to be an active member, but wanted to dedicate more time raising his family, according to Saunders.

Saunders is no stranger to the LDI, having most recently served as vice president for several years under McEvoy.

“Jared and I share the same vision for our town, and working together for the past five years, we’ve made a lot of progress,” Saunders said. “Jared is a great leader and a great friend. I hope to continue moving the LDI in the same direction as he has done.”

Other elected officials include Tracie Saunders, vice president; Karen Raditz, secretary; and Bambi Elsasser, treasurer, all of whom have been active members and volunteers for several years as well.

Saunders said he’s extremely “excited for the future of Lehighton,” and noted there are many things already in the works for this year.

“We are partnering with the Main Street Steering Committee to help us move forward with our revitalization efforts downtown,” he said. “As a small group of volunteers, it’s hard to make progress in all the areas that are important to us and the town.”

Saunders stressed the importance of working with the MSSC.

“Partnering with the MSSC will give us the manpower and the structure we need by having a group dedicated to the revitalization progress for our businesses downtown, and a group dedicated to bringing the community together through events all in one,” he said. “It’s a win-win for Lehighton.”

Saunders touted some of the upcoming initiatives of the LDI, such as the Downtown Farmers Market, which runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning in May.

“We are hoping to add more homegrown goods to the market this year, along with our usual vendors,” he said.

Saunders said the LDI’s Wine on the River festival was a huge success last year, and that they are proud to be hosting the event again on May 2 at the Lehighton Outdoor Center parking lot.

In addition, he said the LDI will also run the fireworks this year, which will be held on July Fourth.

Saunders said Rocktoberfest will be held on the third weekend in October this year.

“We’re going to continue our D&L Trail Town efforts this year also,” he said.