The Town of Lexington needs a new town administrator.

Britt Poole, who held the post since 2010, has resigned.

At its regular June 12 meeting, Lexington Town Council voted to appoint Assistant Town Administrator Stuart Ford as Poole’s interim replacement while the town seeks a permanent successor. Council also voted to hire a firm to conduct the search.

Poole’s time in the position will officially come to an end June 30.

The administrator leaves to become executive director for the Central Midlands Council of Government, which assists the 15 local governments within Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties in developing local and regional plans.

“I've always thought that the COG could be a unifying force for the Midlands, because it's all four counties in the Midlands,” Poole told the Chronicle, “and I think I can do a really good job and help bring it together and accomplish great things with all the counties and cities that participate”

Poole emphasized that he will still be involved with the town as Lexington is a member of the council. He added that his new position will focus on all cities and counties rather than just Lexington.

“It’s a much broader view,” he said.

According to a release Poole will facilitate strategic vision of the council and oversee all services provided by the agency

“We are thrilled Britt will be joining the Central Midlands COG. Britt is known as one of the most respected local government leaders in South Carolina. His expertise and his leadership abilities will greatly benefit the four counties, the cities and towns; and most importantly, the people of the Central Midlands region” Foster Senn, the coundil's board chair and mayor of the City of Newberry, is quoted.

Poole served as town administrator during a transformative time for Lexington.

The town set its current Vision Plan in 2012, looking to shape development in the town for the subsequent 20 years. Poole has helped oversee the implementation of some of that plan’s biggest projects, including the very nearly complete Icehouse Project (centered on its namesake downtown amphitheater) and the soon-to-be-completed expansion of downtown’s Virginia Hylton Park.

Both of those initiatives are targeted at furthering one of the biggest shifts during Poole’s tenure — the revitalization of downtown Lexington, particularly Main Street, which is increasingly crowded with dining and nightlife options.

Poole had worked in the town’s administration since 2003, previously serving as assistant town administrator and director of planning, building and technology.

The exiting town administrator said his announcement of his resignation was followed by messages and well wishes, which he said has been overwhelming and heartwarming.

The administrator shared that he has a lot of friends within the town. He added that Ford, who has been his assistant for the past 13 years, will do a wonderful job in continuing to guide the town and accomplish great things.

“The best legacy I could leave is if the employees thought that I did right by them,” Poole said “And I hope they do think that because I certainly tried to.”

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated.