and Community Coordinator Amy Stegall
by Hanna Singh
Amy Stegall’s passion for her community is what drives her to wake up each day and devote herself wholeheartedly to her job.
As the Main Street Director and Community Coordinator for the City of Ruston, Stegall’s forte is showcasing the cultural and historical charm of downtown Ruston.
Originally serving as Assistant to the Mayor, Stegall developed close ties with public officials and established many community contacts. In July of 2020, amidst the peak of Covid, Stegall accepted the position of Main Street Director and Community Coordinator for her beloved town. Despite the challenges posed by Covid restrictions, she immersed herself in the role, forging connections with downtown merchants and local businesses.
Mayor Ronny Walker felt that as his assistant, Stegall’s talents were not fully utilized and believed that her passions could bring positive transformations to Main Street.
“She loves Ruston. I always say I want to hire people who love Ruston, who are passionate about this place and will move as fast as I do,” Walker said. “I love the way that she takes the initiative to do things. Amy’s not waiting for me to say do this or that, she’s making changes where she sees they need to be.”
Stegall holds a strong belief in Ruston’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Ruston has already gained national recognition as a ‘Great American Main Street Semi-Finalist’ and is currently in the running for USA Today’s ‘Best Historic Small Town’ title.
Stegall modestly attributes the community’s success to the local business owners, artists, and community members that pour into Ruston. With more plans on the horizon, she doesn’t see the town’s growth stopping anytime soon.
“From restaurants to hotels and more retail, I truly believe we are in a renaissance in Historic Downtown Ruston,” Stegall said. “Another exciting possibility is an Amtrack passenger rail, which would be a fantastic addition to downtown.”
As an avid supporter of the arts, Stegall embodies her role in Ruston’s cultural district with dedication. Upon accepting the role of Main Street Director, she made a point to exclusively collect local art. From initiatives like the Bulldog project and the art displayed on transformer boxes to the stunning murals throughout Ruston, Stegall is proud of the remarkable public art displays curated by local artists.
Stegall also emphasized the importance of historical preservation regarding Main Street. Citing that the movement started with the goal of keeping the character in our downtowns, she highlighted that the value of Ruston lies in the amazing architecture of its buildings. Details such as the brick, louvered windows, side entrances, and distinct color pallets contribute to what makes Ruston unlike any other place. In her position, she devotes her time to ensuring that those qualities remain while progression is made.
Working diligently to support the growth of a vibrant and historically preserved downtown community, Stegall is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of Ruston. She is anxious to see what new and exciting things may be on the horizon.
“We have intentionally created a place that is welcoming to everyone. We now have an incredibly diverse business landscape with owners from all walks of life,” Stegall said. “For me—the most impactful part of being Main Street Director has been being a part of this movement that people are recognizing as something special here in Ruston.”
