Alyssa Blair has been selected to be Oxford’s downtown development director.
Blair is a familiar name and face in city government – she has been Oxford’s communications specialist since September 2019, according to information from City Manager M. Alan Thornton.
An Oxford native, Blair said she looks forward to her new role.
“I am excited to serve the city of Oxford in this capacity and look forward to working with all city departments and the community for the betterment of Oxford,” she said in a press statement issued last week.
Over the past year, Blair has worked closely with officials of Main Street North Carolina and the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation, Thornton said, and she has been “a crucial factor in Oxford’s continued presence in the Main Street program,” he said.
Thornton said there was a strong field of candidates, and Blair “rose to the top” during the hiring process.
Blair has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and conflict management UNC-Greensboro and has earned two master’s degrees – one from UNC-G and one from the University of Konstanz in Germany.
Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from the UNC School of Government and has completed additional various courses and training in communications and development.
In addition to her time with the City of Oxford, Blair has worked for Special Olympics North Carolina in volunteer engagement and currently sits on the North Carolina City and County Communicators (NC3C) Board. Outside of the office, Ms. Blair enjoys being with her family and her dogs, traveling, has several artistic passions, and likes to volunteer when possible.