TELL CITY – Perry County Sheriff Lee Chestnut will resign his elected office after accepting a position with the Perry County Development Corp.
Serving his second term in office, Chestnut announced his decision Monday afternoon.
“It is with a mixture of excitement and sadness that I announce my plan to tender my resignation as Perry County Sheriff,” Chestnut said. “I have accepted a position with the Perry County Development Corp. and will continue to support my community in a position meant to develop a workforce to fill the jobs available here in Perry County.”
Chestnut will fill the position of vice president of workforce development. He will carry out some of the duties held by Carol Hagedorn, who left PCDC this summer after being named vice president of community development for the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana.
Chestnut said the decision to resign was not an easy one.
“The decision to resign as Sheriff has not been an easy one. I have dedicated my life to working in law enforcement. When a position became available that would allow me to still serve my county in a positive way and be involved with a great organization like the PCDC, I knew I had to seize the opportunity. When planning out my future endeavors after my time as sheriff, I always knew I wanted to be in a position to continue to help Perry County become a better place to live. I feel as though the opportunities presented to me through the Perry County Development Corporation were exactly what I have envisioned for my future.”
Chestnut will remain in his job until a replacement is appointed by the Democratic chairman and precinct committee.
“After that appointment, I plan to work with that person in any way needed to make the transition go as smoothly as possible,” he said. “I want to thank everyone for the support during my career in law enforcement. I look forward to continued support as I work to help Perry County become an even better place to live.”