When Charlotte Koestler became director of The Vicksburg-Warren Community Alliance in 2003, the grassroots group was just beginning to transform from a concept to a community-supported organization.

&#8220My job was to get it off the ground,” said Koestler, who submitted her resignation Thursday, to take effect Feb. 13.

The Alliance is involved in promoting Vicksburg and its economy through city and county initiatives as well as private ventures. It has a 25-member board of trustees that represents 14 community member organizations.

The Alliance, self-created, has an annual budget of about $80,000, mostly from private donations, and membership is open to the public. Organizations that are part of the group include local governments, economic development associations and charities.

&#8220It’s designed to propel Vicksburg forward,” Koestler said. &#8220We’d all seen the potential that Vicksburg had. We talked about eliminating the duplication of projects and resources, be it people or money or material goods. It’s designed to create a community vision and to do those projects necessary to reach that vision.”

Koestler’s last day will be the first day for the new director, J. Scott Martinez. A native of Laurel, Martinez brings seven years of experience in rounding up business and capital in the areas of Houston and Austin, Texas.

Koestler, who grew up in Vicksburg and had lived in Texas, said she did not apply for the director position because she didn’t think it fit with her personal goals. Koestler also said she thinks bringing in someone new will bring energy to the organization.

She said she always thought her job at the Alliance was to bring the organization from a concept through its incubation to its early stages. Now, she said she is looking into new business opportunities.

Bobby Bailess, chairman of the Alliance Board of Trustees said in a press release that Koestler’s leadership helped develop the organization.