Mystic — Alexis Ann, editor and publisher of The Resident, will serve as the grand marshal of the 2020 Mystic Irish Parade in commemoration of its 17th year, according to an announcement Friday.

Ann is a U.S. Army-trained journalist who started Alexis Advertising in 1982 and, in 1990, she started The Resident, a publication on “good news about people doing good things in our communities” that reaches 64 communities, according to the news release from The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation.

“My Irish Ancestors must be smiling ear-to-ear!” Ann said in a statement. “My grandfather, Tom Mahoney, was a firefighter in Milford, Connecticut. He unfortunately suffered a tragic death on the way to a fire. I dedicate this honor to him.”

“I would like to thank the parade committee members who have grown this parade to be the most popular in our two-state region!" she added. "I am so grateful to accept the honor of being Grand Marshal for 2020—the FIRST of a new decade! Let’s make it a visionary experience!”

The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation said the March 22 event, with festivities beginning at Mystic Seaport Museum, continuing downtown and ending at the Mystic Arts Center, is expected to draw more than 32,000 people.

“Alexis is a true success story and an amazing asset to our Southeastern Connecticut community,” Neil Ryan, vice president of the parade foundation, said in a statement. “Against all odds, Alexis managed to not only start a small paper in the 90's, but grow 'The Resident' to where it would survive and thrive for years to come. She endured and adapted while others failed to change, and her success in journalism is now a staple in our community. Along the way, she has also helped countless nonprofit organizations and has mentored many individuals to help them achieve their dreams and goals as well. I’m honored to have someone that I have worked so closely with for the last 27 years be the 2020 Grand Marshal and I’m looking forward to seeing her lead the Mystic Irish Parade on Sunday, March 22nd!”

More information is available at mysticirishparade.org.