Photo Credit: Blake Aued/file

Pamela Thompson is resigning effective Dec. 29 after more than three years as executive director of the Athens Downtown Development Association.

Thompson informed ADDA board chairman Chris Blackmon of her resignation in a letter on Monday.

I appreciate being given the opportunity to work with the dedicated volunteers of the Athens Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors. Together, we have accomplished many things and made a positive impact downtown.

I plan to ensure a smooth transition with the organization. I will provide complete information on all ongoing projects and work with current staff to prepare a work plan for the next six months. My new employer has committed to allow me to assist, as necessary, in the new year.

Thompson has a taken a job as director of the Glynn County Community Development Department, according to the Golden Isles News. Her salary will be $120,000, a significant raise over the $90,000 she currently makes.

Thompson is a South Georgia native, a graduate of Mercer and Georgia Southern universities, and a former county manager in Virginia and city planner in Georgia. She was hired to helm the ADDA in June 2013. 

As ADDA director, she increased parking revenue by raising on-street rates and lowering deck rates so they're both $1 an hour, replaced unpopular "pay and display" parking meters with more user-friendly ones, and championed beautification efforts like sidewalk-washing and a program that awards grants to property owners for improving historic buildings' facades.