Top administrators resign regional planning commission

DEXTER, Mo. -- The executive board of the Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission accepted the resignation of executive director Steve Duke and office manager and economic development director Connie Duke.

The couple's resignations are effective April 1.

Williard Adams of the BRP-EDC informed the commission of the resignations at the group's regular meeting late last week. Steve and Connie Duke are husband and wife.

Steve Duke has been director of the BRP-EDC since 2004, and Connie Duke has been at the organization since 1979. Adams said both intended to retire at the end of 2015, but health issues led them to decide to step down in April.

Adams, Solid Waste Management coordinator of BRP-EDC, was appointed deputy director until a new executive director is hired.

Connie Duke

Adams presided at the full commission meeting in place of Duke.