Economic Development Director Matt Ward tendered his resignation Friday to seek other opportunities after seven busy months working for Ironton's future.

His resignation will be effective Dec. 5

Ward, 25, graduated from Fairland High School in 1996 and received a bachelor's degree from Ohio University in 2000. He worked in the Ohio House of Representatives with Reps. John Carey and Clyde Evans before coming to the city in late April.

Overall, Ward said working for the city has been a tremendous opportunity and a wonderful experience but that he now has other options that he wants to pursue.

"I am seeking other opportunities with several organizations so that I can best utilize the skills that I have," he said. "I think this move is best for my family and myself.

"It is kind of bittersweet because I enjoyed working for the city. Mayor Bob Cleary, all the city employees and residents have been great and really welcomed me."

Mayor Cleary said that there are absolutely no hard feelings and that the city will certainly miss Ward's experience, enthusiasm and knowledge.

"I think Matt has done an excellent job. He will be a true loss to the city," Cleary said. "He had the task of starting a position and he has eagerly gone after new businesses. His contacts have been invaluable."

Ward said he is most proud of his work in getting Our Lady of Bellefonte to commit to a presence in the county and also of his work organizing the department so that it is now clear what the city has to offer prospective clients.

"I think a foundation has been laid out. I would love to be here to see the good things come to pass," Ward said.

The task of filling Ward's position will fall to Mayor-Elect John Elam after he takes office Dec. 1.

"The first thing I would like to do is meet with Matt and review his files and seek input from him on where we stand," Elam said. "Hopefully, from our initial review, we will be able to make a determination of our next step. I am very supportive of economic development for the city because it is Ironton's lifeblood."

While some skeptics will say that the decision is politically motivated, Ward strongly emphasized that he would have made this decision no matter how the mayoral election turned out.

"This is nothing against the new mayor coming in," Ward said. "I wish him the best of luck. The timing is just coincidental."