Chris Helms
Andrew Zarro, outgoing executive director of JP Centre/South Main Streets, paused for a photo in spring 2014 outside 7 Pond Coffee Bar.
Andrew Zarro, executive director of the local business development group JP Centre/South Main Streets, announced Wednesday he'd leave in October.
Zarro will stay through the end of the First Thursday Art Walk season, which ends Oct. 2.
He has been with the quasi-public booster group since last fall.
"Leaving was a difficult decision to make,” Zarro said in a press release. “As Executive Director of JP Centre/South Main Streets, I had the opportunity to make my community a much better place; however, I am going to work with a consulting firm as a project manager focusing on small and locally-owned businesses. I couldn't be more thrilled with the opportunities ahead, and will hold my time at JPCS close to my heart."
JP Centre/South reports an increase of 500 percent in business participation in the signature First Thursday Art Walk program.
"JP Centre/South Main Streets is a much better organization for having Andy as its Executive Director," said Brad Brown, president of the JPCS board and owner of Blue Frog Bakery. "The results of Andy’s tireless work can be seen all over Jamaica Plain, and on behalf of the entire board, I wish him all the best as he moves forward."