The Historic Downtown Plano Association welcomed Alex Hargis as its new executive director at a regular meeting Jan. 5. A native Texan, Hargis served as associate director of event services for the AT&T Performing Arts Center prior to accepting his full-time paid position on the HDPA board of directors. Prior to that, he served as theatre manager for the arts center and also as a patron services manager for Plano Stages from 2004-2007. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. "This is actually a homecoming for me," Hargis said during the Jan. 5 meeting. "This city has always been a dear friend to me. This is a very special town, and it is becoming more dynamic ...because of all of you. I'm very honored to be in this position." In addition to welcoming Hargis, the board also outlined its list of events it will host in downtown Plano this year to include the Chips poker tournament in March, Night Out on 15th in May and Art Fest in September. The board is also currently seeking to fill a secretary position.