James Roncon has resigned the General Manager position at Armidale Regional Council after four years at the helm.
Mr Roncon will finish in January, and says he is making way for a new General Manager who can help the new council drive their long-term vision.
He said the decision to move on had been difficult and emotional but he believed it be in the best interests of the council and the region.
Mayor Sam Coupland said Mr Roncon came to Armidale with a brief to turn around an ailing organisation, and that on almost every objective measure the council was now a high performing organisation thanks to his leadership.
Read more: Armidale Regional Council