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Craig/Moffat County Economic Development Partnership Director Tom Flavin resigned Monday to pursue an opportunity he said he "couldn't refuse."

He'll leave a board that members say is totally prepared to stay on track in meeting the organization's goals while seeking his replacement.

"It's definitely a bump in the road, but we'll keep going," EDP board President Scott Cook said. "I think we've got ourselves pointed in the right direction now. It's just a case of doing those things (that are outlined in the EDP action plan)."

Flavin has worked for the EDP for 15 months. He came on board during a period of turmoil created when the former director quit in the midst of controversy.

"When I arrived, we had to dig our way out of a hole," Flavin said. "Since then, we've laid the foundation for a successful economic development program. We're in a position where someone can come in and focus on economic development."

Flavin said he wasn't looking for another position, but one found him. He will lead the western region for an East Coast-based consulting firm that is opening an office in Denver.

Flavin doesn't think the EDP will have any trouble finding a replacement.

"Given a competitive salary, this would be a great opportunity for someone," he said.

His successor will face a different set of challenges than the ones Flavin said he met coming in. Flavin's job was in policy and planning. Now that is done, he said, and his successor will be able to concentrate more on economic development and member services.

"Ensuring the EDP has the financial resources to do what it needs to do is always a challenge," he said. "That's an issue with any organization like this one that lives on contributions."

Flavin has offered to assist the EDP Board in filling his position by contacting people and networking.

"We hope that between him searching and us searching, we'll find someone pretty quickly," Cook said.

He said the board will begin by advertising for a replacement locally, then regionally, and finally via the Internet.

In the meantime, Flavin thinks, based on the action plan completed and the committees formed, the board will be able to continue working toward the organization's goals.

"I hope this doesn't set us back because everybody has worked very hard," EDP Board member Georgina McAnally said.

She said it might slow the board's progress, but it wouldn't' bring it to a halt.

"People will just have to work with us," she said.

McAnally said she wishes Flavin luck and he wishes the best for the EDP.

"I've really enjoyed working here," Flavin said. "All my previous experience has been in metro areas. I've become very bullish on rural areas, and now I understand why they're important and what impact they'll have on the 21st century economy."