CUMBERLAND – Two of the County's engines that have assisted with recent strides to bring development and growth into Cumberland recently announced they would be leaving their positions and pursuing new opportunities.

Assistant County Administrator of Community Development Michael Cooper's resignation was announced to the Board of Supervisors during their meeting this month and Planning Director Andrew Sorrell sent out a letter an-nouncing his resignation last week.

The two have been with the County for over four years and in that time have worked to bring needed industry and new businesses into Cumberland, as well as make plans for future growth.

County Administrator Judy Ownby made the announcement that Cooper would be leaving Cumberland to pursue other opportunities during the Board's meeting on Tuesday, May 10.

“I just want to say that this is Mr. Cooper's last report and last meeting with the Board,” announced Ms. Ownby. “It's with sadness and deep regret we accepted his resignation. He has other job opportunities and he has another position and I'd like to say that we wish you the best Mike. You did a great job.”

Board Chairman Van Petty, District Two, also echoed the County Administrator's comments.

“It's been a real pleasure and I think he has done a really good job. He's been really professional and we wish you well. We hate to see you go but I know opportunities come and you have to take them when they knock.”

“It's been a terrific four and a half years…,” noted Cooper at the end of his final report.

Sorrell's last day in Cumberland is June 3 and he will be starting a new position in Albemarle County's planning department.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my colleagues in Cumberland as well as the professional surveyors, en-gineers, attorneys, and other land planning professionals whom I had the pleasure of working with over the last four years,” said Sorrell in his resignation letter that was sent out to the public late last week.

The County is now in the middle of the search process for a new Planning and Zoning Administrator and Director of Community and Economic Development.

That process will continue until those positions are filled.