Stonington — After nearly two decades with the town, Keith Brynes has resigned as town planner.

Brynes submitted his resignation Feb. 10, effective March 3, to accept a position as Director of Planning and Economic Development for the city of East Providence, Rhode Island.

“It’s been a rewarding experience working for such a great community for the past 18 years. I’ve worked with many amazing and talented people, and the Department of Planning staff are second to none in what they do,” Brynes said on Wednesday.

“Keith is one of those people that is so humble and does so much of that behind-the-scenes work, and never wants to take credit,” said First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough on Thursday. “His insights and hard work and research are what get so many things done in town.”

Chesebrough said Byrnes was the first Connecticut planner to receive the Above and Beyond Award from the Connecticut chapter of the American Planning Association for his work in the town, and expressed regret that he was leaving, but said she was happy for him.

“So many of the important advancements we’ve had in town, from the planning and zoning perspective, are really largely thanks to him,” Chesebrough said.

Chesebrough said that, over almost two decades, Brynes has been instrumental in many significant ― though often unnoticed ― changes in town, including the creation of the Pawcatuck Village zoning district, agricultural heritage districts and the historic mill district in Pawcatuck.

Brynes also worked on a multi-year project to gain historic designation for four buildings in Pawcatuck which offers the buildings some protection against demolition, makes certain tax credits and grant opportunities available, and eases some flood zone, building and fire regulations when owners make renovations. Brynes has also undertaken the digitizing of planning department documents, which Chesebrough described as a “massive undertaking.”

She said his extensive, unbiased, fact-driven work has been invaluable to the town and various town land use boards and commissions as well as their members.

“He is very fair and balanced. He doesn’t try to influence the commissions one way or another no matter who’s been in office. He’s not that type of person. He just really puts forward the facts and gives everybody the tools they need to make the right decisions,” said Chesebrough, adding, “he has really been a great mentor and educator.”

The town has begun a search for a town planner, and the job posting can be found on the town website.