Dunbar Mayor Terry Greenlee has stepped down from his post to take on a leadership role with the state Alcohol Beverage Control Administration, according to a news release from the West Virginia Department of Revenue.
Greenlee will start Monday as the ABCA's deputy commissioner.
"I'm excited and anxious to get started and I'm honored to be even offered the position," Greenlee said Wednesday. He added, "I'm just happy for the appointment and that they have the faith in me. And I won't disappoint them."
Greenlee said he turned in his resignation letter to city council Friday and asked council members not to say anything. He told a reporter Friday morning that he hadn't taken a new job and hadn't resigned as mayor. Greenlee said Wednesday he had to wait to make the announcement after the job was official.
"Terry has proven leadership qualities and management skills that will serve the agency well," Revenue Secretary Dave Hardy said in the statement. "He was an outstanding mayor for the citizens of Dunbar and I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do for the state and the ABCA."
Greenlee, a Democrat, was first elected mayor in 2013 and again in Dunbar's June election, when he defeated a write-in candidate. Prior to becoming mayor, Greenlee had served as recreation director and public works director for the city.
Greenlee's background also includes serving 15 years as a captain in the West Virginia National Guard, and owning and operating several businesses in Kanawha and Putnam counties for more than 40 years, according to the release.
Greenlee's work for the ABCA will include operational issues of the agency and issues involving the alcohol industry in West Virginia, the release said. He and his wife Linda have seven children and six grandchildren, the release said.
"It's exciting to have a person of Terry Greenlee's character and experience join the ABCA team," ABCA Commissioner Fred Wooton said.
Greenlee said the president of Dunbar City Council, Steve Arnett, will preside over council meetings until the council chooses a new mayor. The council will consider council members, those who work for the city and those outside of city hall for the mayor appointment.
"They'll start the process pretty quickly," Greenlee said.
Reach Lori Kersey at lori.kersey@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-1240 or follow @LorikerseyWV on Twitter.