As I know you’re aware, I am resigning my position as Executive Director of the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC), effective January 1^st, 2007.  However, with accrued vacation days and holidays, my last day in the office will be Thursday, December 14, 2006.  I tendered my official resignation letter to the SETRPC President Bobby Franklin this morning.

I never really imagined that I would actually ever be writing a letter of this nature.  However, about two months ago I was approached by an executive search firm about the position of Executive Director, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) in Columbus, Ohio.  Their long-term executive director had retired earlier this year after nearly 39 years with the organization.  After meeting with MORPC’s Administrative Committee on two different occasions they offered me the position.  After much thought and prayer and discussion with family and friends, my wife and I have decided the opportunity afforded by MORPC and the Central Ohio Region for further professional growth and personal advancement was too great to turn down.  Additional information about my appointment can be found at www.morpc.org.

As my family and I prepare to move on to a new stage in our life, we will forever cherish the friendships and memories we’ve made in South East Texas.  The elected officials, planning commission staff, community leaders and citizens of South East Texas will always be in our hearts and prayers. I’ve greatly enjoyed working for the agency and appreciated the strong support provided by the elected officials, community leaders and staff during my tenure.  I’ve cherished the privilege of coming to work everyday irrespective of the barriers or obstacles confronting us regionally, in Austin, Texas and/or Washington, D.C.  We’ve had to overcome many challenges these past six plus years in addressing the seemingly overwhelming needs of the region, but by sharing the burden together we’ve been able to succeed.   What I think I will miss the most is the camaraderie and shared vision particularly since the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the region. Obviously, there are still many challenges facing South East Texas, but I believe the SETRPC is uniquely qualified and staffed to meet those challenges head on.  In spite of it all, in many ways, the region has a very bright future.       

It goes without saying; I’ll be fully engaged in the activities of the SETRPC until my last day and will work with the officers, executive committee, community leaders, directors, and staff to make the transition as smooth as possible.  Thanks to the entire South East Texas media for all you’ve done for me and my family.  We’ll never forget South East Texas, its people and its enduring spirit and we pray that God will continue to bestow his blessings upon this great region.

Sincerely,  

Chester R. Jourdan, Jr.