Jeff Mikorski, Clarksburg's director of economic and community development, will be leaving his post this month to accept the position of assistant to the city manager of Morgantown.
Mikorski said Monday his last day as director of economic development will be Aug. 8, adding he will begin his new duties the following day.
"It is in line with my professional goals," Mikorski said. "I hope to become manager of a medium-sized city someday and this is one necessary step along that path."
Mikorski, who has worked as the city's director of economic development for about five years on a part time and full time basis, will also receive a substantial salary increase. Mikorski said he makes roughly $29,000 a year in his current position and will make $45,000 as assistant city manager in Morgantown.
Mikorski cited as accomplishments his role in helping the city obtain grants for landscaping work in Glen Elk and on Main Street.
"It's been a very busy five years. I've enjoyed working with the people of Clarksburg and I hope the city will be a dominant force in the area economy," Mikorski said.
City Manager Tom Vidovich said Monday he was surprised by Mikorski's career move but wishes him well.
"Jeff will take a lot of computer expertise with him and he certainly has been at the hub of economic development in the city," Vidovich said.
Vidovich added that Mikorski had also been instrumental in the creation of the city's Web page and in working on computer networking, hardware and software. For that reason, the city may replace the position of economic development director with a management information specialist.
"Council has talked about it in meetings," Vidovich said. "We may end up parceling out different aspects of Jeff's job to a new position and administrators that are already here.
"I haven't had time to make a recommendation to council. I will sit down with Jeff and review the things he has been dedicating his time to. Then I'll sit down with council and see what their perception is."
Staff Writer Shawn Gainer can be reached at 626-1442.
