KEARNEY, NEB. - Kearney is naming a new tourism director after its well-known predecessor retired at the end of June.

Sarah Focke is officially the newest Executive Director of the Kearney Visitors Bureau after more than two decades of service and nearly a year as interim director.

"I truly enjoy coming to work every day, I feel lucky and privileged to be able to promote a destination and community like Kearney," said Focke. "We're looked upon by so many counterparts in the state as a great place to live and work," added Focke. 

Focke steps into the role following the retirement of longtime tourism leader Roger Jasnoch, who worked in the department for nearly four decades.

She said she's got big shoes to fill, but her own experience with the city along with learning from Roger directly will help make the process go smoothly.

"I wish I could clone him (Jasnoch) and have him at my disposal every day, but I'm confident that I will do just fine and look forward to the future," said Focke.

That future includes major developments on Kearney’s northwest side, including the newly announced Good Life District which will bring new hotels, restaurants, retail and more to the area.

"The first opening of retail and restaurants will be later this fall. We've already seen people walking around and I think that's the exciting part is that in six months to a year we'll have more people milling around and more visibility for our new welcome center," said Focke.

Focke says she feels privileged to be able to promote Kearney, and added that she wants to continue to build on the city's good reputation and progress.