Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – He is no longer “interim.”

Downtown Springfield Inc. (DSI) announced Thursday that Jay Shanle (pictured) will serve as executive director. He had been in that job on a temporary basis after February’s departure of Carlos Ortega, who was at DSI for about two years.

Shanle has been DSI’s director of communications as well as a program director at Springfield Area Arts Council.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the trust the DSI board and our community have placed in me,” Shanle said in a news release, “and I’m honored to step into the role of executive director. Downtown Springfield has shaped so much of my personal and professional life, and I’m energized by the opportunity to move this work forward. I couldn’t be more excited to continue collaborating with the people and partners who believe in the heart of our city.”

DSI made its announcement at Thursday’s “Get Your Kicks Gala.”