Ryan Moore.

Athens-Clarke County's first and only director of economic development is leaving for a job in Brunswick effective Sept. 1.

Ryan Moore was hired to helm the newly created department in 2013, when it replaced the independent Economic Development Foundation.

The Savannah native was named sole finalist for president of the Glynn County Development Authority in June, according to The Brunswick News. 

Michelle Nguyen will be the department's interim director while a national search is conducted, according to ACC Manager Blaine Williams.

"As the first permanent director of our Economic Development Department, Ryan has done an exceptional job over the last five years of establishing new programs and continuing to engage with existing and new businesses," Williams said in a news release. "Michelle's experience in the office over the last year in working with the state and local entrepreneurs and tech sector companies will allow the department to continue to serve the community well in its economic development efforts during this transition."  

Nguyen, a former ACC Human Resources Department employee, was hired last year as the Economic Development Department's entrepreneurship and innovation specialist. 

The department has also hired Robin D. Bloss as its new development coordinator. Bloss—a former city planner in Havelock, NC—will help small businesses navigate ACC's planning and permitting processes.