Village of The Hills Mayor Eric Ovlen submitted his official resignation during the March 10 City Council meeting, almost four years to the day of his appointment to the position.

Ovlen and his family will be relocating from the community, according to a press release from the city, which stated that his resignation is effective immediately.

“Eric Ovlen has played a significant role in leading the Village of The Hills city government through a period of major change and growth,” the release said. Those changes include the hiring of City Manager Wendy Smith, enhancements to City Park, the development of a capital improvement plan and more.

Ovlen, a retired corporate executive, was appointed following the resignation of former Mayor Ron Dodd after two years in office.

City Council Member George Spencer was appointed as the interim mayor by council during the same meeting. Spencer will complete Ovlen’s term, which is set to expire in October 2020.