Old Lyme - Town Sanitarian Sonia Marino has announced she is leaving her position in Old Lyme to become the health director and registered sanitarian for the town of Westbrook.

Marino, who became the town's chief sanitarian in March 2013, will begin her position in Westbrook in early January.

She said the combined director of health and registered sanitarian position will allow her to assume new responsibilities, but also allow her to continue her work as a sanitarian, which she knows and enjoys.

Among her accomplishments during her tenure in Old Lyme, Marino cited working with the health department's administrative assistant, Patricia Myers, to develop forms and standardize the department's routine.

Marino said she feels her enthusiasm and passion for public health has made an impact on the community.

"I will bring that same positive attitude to Westbrook and I am extremely excited to start in the beginning of the New Year," she said in an email to The Day. "I will however, miss all of the wonderful people of Old Lyme."

The town is advertising for the sanitarian position on its website, with an application deadline of Dec. 19. The job includes administering permits and inspections for well and septic system installations, conducting food service inspections and working with the WPCA, the description states.

First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said she was disappointed to hear Marino would be leaving, but understood her decision.

"In her short tenure with the town, she has been a hard worker, a terrific supervisor to her staff in the Health Department, has worked well with our Director of Health, Dr. Vijay Sikand, and has provided excellent service to our customers that come to the Health Department for permits and information," Reemsnyder wrote in an email.

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich