Friends of Fort Fisher has named Christine Divoky as its new executive director, according to a news release.

Divoky succeeds Paul Laird, the organization’s founding executive director, who retired in June, officials said. She has been involved with the local nonprofit community since 2009.

Friends of Fort Fisher is a nonprofit organization supporting Fort Fisher State Historic Site, located in Kure Beach.

Divoky most recently served as Historic Wilmington Foundation’s special events and marketing director, according to the release.

Divoky’s passion to preserve and share the stories of Fort Fisher, combined with her nonprofit experience, made her “an excellent choice for Friends of Fort Fisher leadership,” John Coble, chairman of Fort Fisher’s Board of Directors, said in the release.