Old Lyme — LEARN has begun a search for a new executive director following the recent announcement that Eileen S. Howley will retire on July 1.

Howley, whose career in education spans four decades, has served as LEARN executive director since December 2012 and credited with numerous accomplishments during that time. In her role, Howley serves as the superintendent of seven interdistrict magnet schools.

The LEARN board of directors accepted Howley’s retirement on March 14.

"Dr. Howley has brought incredible vision and passion as the executive director and has been crucial in transforming LEARN, giving the organization renewed focus and direction,” Craig Esposito, chair of the LEARN board, said in a statement. “She is an outstanding leader and individual, and the board and the staff will miss her greatly."

LEARN is one of six Regional Educational Service Centers in the state and serves 25 public school districts in southeastern Connecticut. It will contract with a search firm to conduct a search and hire a new director.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve this Board, this Executive Committee, this region, the LEARN leadership team, our staff, our partners, and our members,” Howley said in a statement.