Dharmena Downey has been named executive director of Fenway CDC.

"We are pleased to announce that Fenway CDC has hired the fourth executive director in our history," said Board Chair Joanne McKenna. "Dharmena comes to the Fenway with many years of experience in community development and public service. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Fenway."

"I am honored to follow Fenway CDC’s impressive group of executive directors. I look forward to building many strong relationships in the Fenway community," said Downey.

Fenway CDC’s former executive director Carl Koechlin left the CDC in June to become the executive director of South Shore Housing Corp. He served the Fenway for 12 years, according to a statement.

Downey, of Gloucester, previously served as interim executive director and chief operating officer at Asian CDC in Boston’s Chinatown. She has served on the board and is the current board chair at Neighborhood of Affordable Housing in East Boston.