by Malcolm Butler
With the departure of Amy Stegall, the City of Ruston is in the market for a new Main Street Director and Community Coordinator.
During her time with the city of Ruston, Stegall helped build and grow the Main Street program, highlighted by record attendance numbers at the most recent Peach Festival last summer as well as recognitions such as the recent 2025 Louey Award for Festival of the Year.
Ruston mayor Ronny Walker said replacing Stegall with the right candidate is integral for the city’s continued growth.
“This position is something we finance through the city’s budget,” said Walker. “Most cities do not do that. But that is how important this is to me. Most have a special tax, but I said from Day No. 1 that we wanted to fund it so people could see importance of downtown Ruston.”
Why is it so important to Walker?
“When we started this 10 years ago, I talked to people about what they wanted within our city. What would make young people return and older people retire to our city? There were some distinct things that I kept hearing.
“No. 1 was they wanted a vibrant downtown. We have that now.”
Walker said much of the credit for that is the work of Stegall.
“Amy did a great job for us,” said Walker. “We all knew she would one day move on to Tech. I am very happy when our people are able to move up. Amy was instrumental in several new projects that we have now, such as The Wine Walk and the Beer Crawl.
“She was very actively involved not only in city but also in the statewide organization.”
Stegall has taken the role as Director of Development and Engagement for the Division of Innovation and Advancement at Louisiana Tech University.
“It has been a privilege to help shape the heart of our community—honoring our history while encouraging growth and new opportunities,” said Stegall. “Watching local businesses succeed, seeing events bring people together, and witnessing downtown become a place where memories are made has been incredibly rewarding.
“Ruston is home, and I’m grateful to have played a role in its story. Under Mayor Walker’s leadership, Ruston has embraced a bold vision for the future—one that champions progress while remaining true to our roots. Downtown has always been central to that vision, and I have no doubt it will continue to thrive as the next director steps into this role.”
Walker said that the application process for the position has closed, and that the city has 10 applicants that will be interviewed over the course of the next week to 10 days. He said the committee will do the initial interviews and then make a recommendation to him.
He said the committee knows the traits that he is looking for in the next Main Steet Director.
“The same thing I look for in anybody I hire in Ruston,” said Walker. “They need to have a real love for Ruston. That is the No.1 thing. No. 2 is they have to be involved and realize it’s not just an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job. No. 3 is for this person to have a close understanding of our partnership with Louisiana Tech University.”
Walker said he hopes to have the process completed and the position filled by the end of next week.
