James Cerracchio will begin his position as CEO of the Downtown Fresno Partnership on April 30. Photo courtesy of James Cerracchio

The Downtown Fresno Partnership has found full-time leadership in their new president and CEO James Cerracchio, according to a press release from the organization.

“We look forward to James rolling up his sleeves and getting to work to promote business growth in Fresno’s downtown,” said Jason Geil, president of the DFP board. “He’s a dynamic executive with the right tools to help us build on our momentum and lead us in the ongoing efforts to revitalize the heart of our city.”

Cerracchio has worked with other Property-based Business Improvement Districts, like the DFP, in Hampton, Virginia, Tempe, Arizona and Phoenix. He will be replacing interim president and CEO Craig Scharton on April 30, who is now running for Oliver Baines’ District 3 seat.

Besides the warmth of California, Cerracchio said he was attracted by how vibrant the city felt. “It’s not something I would have attributed to Fresno,” Cerracchio said. “I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”

As a Property-based Business Improvement District, the DFP is a private non-profit corporation made up of property owners to maintain the area, provide resources and advocate for needs among those in the business community.

The DFP was involved in projects like the Fulton Street re-opening and Transformative Climate Communities.