Dukes County manager Russell Smith announced on Wednesday that he will resign.

Calling it a mutual agreement with the county commission, Mr. Smith said his resignation will take effect May 1 when his current contract runs out.

He has held the job since April 2008.

“I have to say it’s important to me that I’ve tried for four years to put the county forward in a better light,” Mr. Smith said at the conclusion of the county commission meeting Wednesday. “I walk out of here with my head high for the things I have accomplished. The county is to me, and for the people sitting in this room, a very important entity on the Island.”

County commissioner Leonard Jason Jr. thanked him for a job well done.

“We don’t always agree, but I’ve never questioned your passion or love for this place,” Mr. Jason said. “You left it better than how you found it and I thank you for that.”