AUSTIN (KXAN) — After more than eight years on the job, Austin City Manager Marc A. Ott is leaving Texas’ capital city to head to the nation’s capital. On Friday, Ott announced his resignation after accepting a new job with International City/County Management Association (ICMA) in Washington, D.C. Ott’s last day with the city will be Oct. 30.

“This wasn’t an easy decision. I’ve dedicated myself to the residents and employees of Austin for almost nine years,” said Ott in a statement. “But this is a unique opportunity – one that allows me to apply 30 years of experience toward advancing the profession and bettering communities around the world. My experience here in Austin has prepared me well for this new challenge.”

As executive director of ICMA, the world’s leading local government association of professional city and county managers, Ott will oversee all aspects of the agency.  Ott was named a finalist earlier this summer.

The city manager cited ICMA’s impact on city management as his reason for seeking the new position. The organization’s stated mission is to “create excellence in local governance by developing and fostering professional management to build better communities,” according to its website. 

“In making this appointment, following a year-long competitive search, the board selected a candidate who reflects the integrity, professionalism and commitment to service of our entire organization, which has been a hallmark of ICMA’s leadership,” noted Patricia Martel, ICMA Executive Board President and City Manager of Daly City, CA.