Encinitas 101 MainStreet Executive Director Dody Crawford confirmed Sept. 30 that she is stepping down from her post, which she has held for nearly eight years.

“I’ve enjoyed the job but more than that, all the wonderful people I would probably never have gotten to know had I not worked here,” Crawford told the North Coast Current in an email.

Crawford said she looks forward to spending more time with family, working on art projects and traveling, in addition to keeping ties with the organization.

Her work with the organization, often referred to as DEMA, goes back to 2000. Before serving as executive director, Crawford was a member of the board of directors, including three years as treasurer, she said. Her ties to the community go back 30 years, from raising a family in town to owning a 7-Eleven with her husband on the corner of D Street and Coast Highway 101 from 1984 to 2006, she said.

The board of directors aims to have a new executive director named by Jan. 1, Crawford said.

For more information about Encinitas 101 MainStreet, call 760-943-1950 or go online to www.encinitas101.com.