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Livermore Downtown Inc. (LDI) has announced that longtime Livermore resident and marketing professional Ruby Lopez-Villarreal will replace Rachael Snedecor as the organization's executive director.
Snedecor announced in November that after 21 years, she is stepping away from LDI to pursue a new entrepreneurial venture.
"Having worked with Ruby in the past and having watched her continued success and growth in a stellar career path, I am so thrilled to leave the LDI Association in such talented and capable hands!," Snedecor said in a statement from LDI.
She added, "I am confident that the business community will see a huge expansion of outreach and marketing programs that will assist in the post-Covid comeback underway. Creativity, innovation, and JOY are all part of Ruby’s DNA. Get ready Livermore! It’s going to be a great ride!"
Lopez-Villarreal previously worked with LDI as the marketing director and event coordinator from 2008 to 2009. She was also the TV30 producer who directed the Livermore Downtown Inc. lifestyle show "Livermore Life" in 2007.
In the years since her departure from LDI, Lopez-Villarreal has pursued opportunities in marketing, community engagement and project management. She's worked for Yahoo, Intel and she was an in-game host and reporter for the Oakland Athletics. She worked for the Golden State Warriors in game operations and as a host/spokesperson. She also previously hosted a local lifestyle show for the city of Walnut Creek.
In a full circle moment, Lopez-Villarreal now returns to LDI to lead the organization.
"I am honored and grateful for the wonderful opportunity to serve as the executive director of Livermore Downtown Inc.," Lopez-Villarreal said in the LDI statement. "I am so thrilled to be able to join the LDI team once again and I'm looking forward to carrying the torch that Rachael has carried so brilliantly."
Lopez-Villarreal's connection to Livermore extends beyond her previous work with LDI. She's been a Livermore resident for 25 years, where she is also now raising her two children with her husband Joel.
"It truly feels like coming 'full circle' in my career and back in the community that I love and am so passionate about. My decision to join LDI was greatly influenced by the support and kindness exemplified by the Board of Directors through the selection process," Lopez-Villarreal said.
She added, "As professionals, being in an organization where you feel valued as a team member is tremendous. I'm excited to partner with Livermore community stakeholders to continue to move Livermore Downtown Inc into the future. A future where LDI and all of our partners continue to thrive and a future where we continue to nurture the joy that Downtown sparks in all of our community."
In LDI's statement, board president Mike Allen expressed his support of Lopez-Villarreal in this new role.
"We believe Ruby will be a great fit for this position for many professional skill reasons. Another great advantage is that Ruby grew up in a family where her parents owned and operated two different businesses. This provides her great insight and valuable knowledge as she connects with and supports our business owners. Her bilingual skills will be a great asset in increased communication amongst our valuable work force," Allen said, adding that Lopez-Villarreal was "highly recommended" for the position by several board members who had worked with her in the past.
"Our goal is to provide the support necessary for Ruby to build on the many successes Rachael has achieved and help our beautiful Downtown become more vibrant than ever!," Allen said.
Snedecor's official last day is set for Feb. 28 after which Lopez-Villarreal will take the reins.
