Meghan Sprager, the director of development and communications at La Casa de Esperanza, will be the new executive director of the Waukesha Business Imrovement District.

Sprager’s employment was approved by the BID Board of Directors Wednesday morning, said BID Board President Shawn Reilly. Sprager will be paid $65,000 annually and is subject to a six-month review, Reilly said.

Sprager’s potential start date is May 9 but that date could change, Reilly said. Sprager replaces former Executive Director Karen Richards, who resigned last fall.

When the position opened up for the BID executive director, Sprager wasted no time getting her resume in for the job. She admitted she has been interested in the position for years.

“I am so passionate downtown,” Sprager said. “I am really excited about this opportunity.”

Sprager has worked closely with the BID for years through La Casa and Waukesha County and the experience with the two agencies “melds” into the combination needed for the executive director position. Sprager understands the complex relationships between the businesses, property owners and residents that are in the downtown area.

During her time working in Waukesha, Sprager has seen the growth of the downtown from the work of the BID and, she said, the work of groups like the Downtown Business Association and West End Artists. Sprager wants to continue the relationship with those groups, as well as the BID itself, she said.

“I look forward to working with the BID committees and the board and make improvements to the strategic plan and execute its goals and priorities,” Sprager said.

The BID is the downtown area where properties are charged a higher tax assessment than the rest of Waukesha to fund the services provided by the BID.