The Downtown Spokane Partnership announced today that it has named former Spokane County Commissioner Mark Richard as its president.

A lifelong Spokane-area resident, Richard didn't seek re-election to the county commissioner board after serving two terms. His term as commissioner ended in late December, and his first day with the DSP was Jan. 7.

DSP Chairman Stanley Schwartz said in a press release, "After a thorough nationwide search, we firmly believe Mark Richard will provide excellent leadership."

The organization started the search in October, a month after its board fired previous President Mike Tedesco without cause.

Marla Nunberg Genther had served as interim president of the DSP after Tedesco was fired. She has returned to her previous position as the organization's vice president.

The DSP is a nonprofit organization that oversees the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District and the University District, and provides other services in the city's core.