Mark Richard is stepping down as president and CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership to take a position as vice president of expansion and real estate for the United Soccer League, in Tampa, Florida.

DSP plans to launch a nationwide search for a new CEO, according to a release from the organization.

Richard has served as head of the DSP for nine years, joining in January 2013. He is expected to stay at the DSP until mid-February to ensure a smooth transition.

“We have accomplished so much and seen downtown come alive with new cultural offerings, businesses, and sustained growth in demand for downtown living,” Richard says in the release. “I was born and raised in Spokane, so the opportunity to support the city has been especially meaningful.”

According to the DSP website, Richard has previous experience in public office, government affairs, and real estate sales. He was born and raised in Spokane and earned a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University.

Richard became president of the organization days after completing his second term on the Spokane County Board of Commissioners. He replaced Mike Tedesco who was fired from DSP without cause in October 2012.

Interim DSP board chair Chris Batten says in the release, “On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank Mark Richard for his outstanding leadership. Mark’s efforts over the past nine years have helped the organization thrive and accomplish some big things.”

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

The United Soccer League is launching expansion teams here that will be based at the stadium under construction just east of the Spokane Arena.