After three years, Richard Webb is stepping down as executive director of the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority.

“You reach a point where you think you’re ready to take another step,” Webb said, Thursday evening. “I have a lot of other interests, personally and professionally. I’m ready to take a step back.”

He said the job had been a positive one. In a letter to the board on Thursday, Webb said it had been a pleasure to serve the community.

“I consider it a privilege to have worked for the Board of Directors of this organization. I wish you the best of luck as you continue to move Harrodsburg and Mercer County forward,” he said.

His resignation is effective March 31.

Via phone, Webb said there really wasn’t anything bad about the job, he was just ready to see what else was out there.

“When I get up in the morning, I want to be able to decide what I want to do,” he said.

Before being executive director at the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority, Webb was the superintendent at the Burgin Independent Schools.

“I went from 105 miles per hour as superintendent, to 65-70 miles an hour with this job. Now I’m ready to see what the 40-50 group does,” he said, laughing.

At the time he left Burgin, Webb called that retirement, but he said he really didn’t retire.

“Even though this was a part-time job, I didn’t work it as a part-time job,” Webb said.

On top of his work with the Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority, he has also been doing contracting work with school districts.

“When you add contract work with the school system, it became more than full-time. That’s OK, that was my choice,” Webb said. “Now I get to make my choice about what to do next.”

He plans to stay involved in the community, continuing to volunteer and serve on various boards; he will also continue consulting with school districts. Presently, he’s not looking for another job.

“I have no immediate plans. I do have some leisure activities and personal travel — that type of thing. I need to give myself some time to get used to this,” Webb said. “I’m ready to take that step … There’s other things I want to explore. We’ll see how it goes.”