John Settle has left his position as the town of Smithfield’s community development and planning director.

He announced his resignation at Smithfield’s Planning Commission May 11. May 12 was his last day on the job after a 2-1/2-year tenure with the town.

Settle said he’d been offered and had accepted a position as an associate agent with Clyburn Insurance Agency LLC in Virginia Beach, a family business founded by his great-grandfather in 1941.

Tammie Clary, who currently serves as the town planner, will take over as the department’s interim director until a permanent replacement is selected.

“John will be dearly missed,” said Town Manager Michael Stallings. “He was a wonderful addition to the Town of Smithfield staff. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

The vacancy had already been advertised for two weeks as of May 14, with a scheduled first review of applications that day.