Katy Area Economic Development Council President and CEO Chuck Martinez has resigned his position in order, he said in an interview, to pursue a new opportunity.

The resignation was effective Dec. 31.

“I provided advance notice that I would not be seeking to renew my contract so I could pursue a new career opportunity,” Martinez said. “The Katy area offers a solid marketplace for global industries. It’s been an honor to serve and represent the community working alongside boards, their members and many outstanding professionals across the region.”

Martinez said he was not at liberty to disclose details of his new position because they were being finalized. He said he thought he would continue pursuing his passion for community economic development in his forthcoming role and hoped to share the details soon.

“God’s plans have a wonderful way of presenting themselves when you least expect it,” Martinez said.

In a statement, Katy Area EDC Chairman Paul Kurt said the EDC accepted Martinez’s resignation with regret, and wished him well as he pursued other opportunities.

“Going forward, Angie Thomason and the staff of the EDC will continue the important work of the organization for the immediate future,” Kurt said. Thomason is office manager and previously served as interim president and CEO before Martinez joined the EDC in February.

Martinez said the Katy Area EDC has a wonderful role and purpose in advancing the Katy economy. He said he hoped his tenure has reinforced the EDC’s role.

As for the future, Martinez said he thought of a scene from the 1975 movie Jaws. In that scene, the police chief looking to hunt down a shark sees the shark for the first time. He tells a boat captain that he will need a bigger boat. Martinez said it’s the same thing for Katy, in a manner of speaking.

“I think there’s enormous opportunities for the Katy area,” Martinez said. “The question is, can accommodate all the opportunities that rea coming?”

Martinez came to Katy from the Brazos Valley EDC. There, he worked to attract and support area businesses. Those businesses included both established and startup firms considering Brazos County. He previously worked in economic development in San Antonio, Laredo, Beaumont and Galveston. He also worked in local economic development in Alexandria, Va.