A longtime communication manager for Utah nonprofit groups has been selected as the new executive director of the Downtown Alliance.

Jason Mathis was introduced Thursday as the new head of the Downtown Alliance charged with working with local business and community leaders to promote downtown during a pivotal time in Salt Lake City's history.

"Downtown Salt Lake is on the cusp of dynamic and transformational change," said Mathis, referring to the several construction projects under way downtown — including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' $1.5 billion City Creek Center.

"I am excited to get to work with the dedicated and talented staff of the alliance and chamber to promote this great community," he said, "and I look forward to promoting the interests of downtown property owners, businesses and residents."

Mathis replaces Bob Farrington, who left the Downtown Alliance in June to become Salt Lake City's economic development director.

"Making the most of every opportunity to improve our capital city is so important," said Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance. "We will all benefit from Jason's significant experience promoting our state as he turns his attention specifically to downtown. He will play a vital role in the evolution of Salt Lake City."

Mathis has helped manage communication efforts at Utah nonprofit organizations for the past 15 years. He spent 12 years at the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau and directed the bureau's communications efforts during the 2002 Winter Games.

In 2005, Mathis went to work for Intermountain Healthcare as a media strategist and spokeman for Utah's largest medical organization.

"Jason brings great experience and energy to this position," said Bruce Bingham, chairman of the Downtown Alliance board of trustees. "He will be an outstanding leader for the Downtown Alliance and a great partner for the Salt Lake Chamber as we move into the next phase of our community's development."

The Downtown Alliance is an affiliate of the Salt Lake Chamber partnering to provide business leadership, public policy relevance, economic development experience and resources to serve downtown business and property owners.

Downtown Alliance represents more than 2,500 businesses and property owners in Salt Lake City who are working together to create a dynamic downtown.