NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) -A group that promotes an Eastern Carolina downtown is getting a new leader.

Swiss Bear says Karen Sullivan will take over as executive director.

Sullivan will be taking the position held by Lynne Harakal since 2016.

Harakal will be retiring from her eight-year position at the downtown New Bern non-profit and will work with Sullivan until the end of May.

The new director is a Goldsboro native and a graduate of East Carolina University. She has worked in various non-profit roles.