Ari Jimenez has been appointed as executive director of Rockland Main Street, Inc. (RMS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life through place-based and historic preservation based economic development, according to RMS, in a news release. This position was effective October 22, 2026.

“The Board of RMS is delighted to bring Ari on as our new Executive Director," said Interim Board Chair, Raleigh Churchill, in the news release. "We are reintroducing ourselves to the community following a period of organizational rebuilding and Ari’s energy, collaborative spirit, and investment in our mission make her an excellent person to lead RMS into its next chapter. We also look forward to helping her grow the program as RMS takes the steps to move from a state designated Maine Downtown Affiliate to a Nationally Accredited Main Street with Maine Development Foundation’s Maine Downtown Center and Main Street America.”

Jimenez brings years of experience in community outreach, project management, business development, volunteer recruitment, and event coordination. Most recently, she founded Restorative Touch, “a platform created to bring together holistic wellness professionals and our community in a space dedicated to rest, renewal, connection, and growth”.

"Her experience as a local business owner, combined with her skills in project coordination, marketing, and engagement will support RMS’s work to strengthen Rockland as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit," said RMS.

“Rockland Main Street was built by the community, for the community, and that spirit will continue to guide us forward," said Jimenez. "We’re committed to honoring Rockland’s rich waterfront history while embracing the diversity, creativity, and new connections that make our city so special. Our goal is to bring people together, support local businesses, and create meaningful experiences that make Rockland an even more vibrant, welcoming, and connected community.

"We’re working with the City and local business owners to create new opportunities and build on what makes Rockland special," Jimenez continued. "Whether you’re a longtime resident, new to Rockland, a local business owner, or simply someone who loves this city, we invite you to get involved, volunteer, and be part of what comes next. Together, we can make great things happen for Rockland!”

“A thriving local economy and a vibrant community go hand in hand," said Adam Lachman, mayor of Rockland. "That requires supporting the businesses and organizations we have, creating new opportunities, and attracting investment that strengthens our community and quality of life. RMS plays an important role in bringing people together around these shared goals. I’m pleased to welcome Ari and look forward to working with her and the board to foster economic vitality while building on our strong community.” 

Rockland Main Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 with a mission to foster a focused partnership among residents, businesses, and local government to preserve and enhance downtown’s unique sense of place and economic vitality while advancing shared prosperity, equal access to opportunity, and inclusive engagement.

Join RMS next month as it hosts The Festival of Lights. Click here for more information and volunteer opportunities regarding the Festival. 

For more information on RMS, visit rocklanddowntown.com. For more information, please contact: Raleigh Churchill at rocklanddowntown@gmail.com.