The Polk County Board of Commissioners has named Matt Denton interim manager.

He will fill the position held by County Manager Clinton Lester, who said he is leaving Wednesday, July 11.

“I am not retiring,” Lester said, “just leaving. My wife Barbara and I want to spend more time together.”

Denton, who has served as assistant county manager since August 2008, said he is honored.

He has no plans to change the direction set by Lester.

“It will be business as usual, especially during the transition period,” he said.

Prior to accepting the post as assistant manager, Denton worked as an engineer for Floyd County. A graduate of Cedartown High School and Southern Tech, he attends Second Baptist Church in Cedartown.

Son of Mary and Jim Denton, Matt and wife Lisa and family reside in Cedartown.

After Denton accepted his position with Polk, Lester said Matt was among the highly qualified candidates who applied for the job.

“We are lucky to have Matt on board and involved in Polk County’s government,” he said.

Lester became County Manager on October 10, 2007 when he was named to fill the position left vacant by the retirement of Wayne Johnson. Prior to that time, he held the manager’s position before retiring in 2002 and moving to Asheville, NC. He later returned to Polk County.

During Tuesday’s meeting, board members adopted a resolution recognizing Lester.

It reads, in part:

“. . . Clinton Lester began his service to the citizens of Polk County in May 1978.

“. . . Mr. Lester’s career has spanned more than 29 years . . .during this time he has served on many boards and committees, including the Health Department and Library Board.”

Commission Chair Cleve Hartley said Lester would truly be missed. “The citizens of Polk are better today because he served as county manager. I have truly enjoyed working with him.”

Other board members described Lester as “smart, a friend and impressed with his ability to leave the county in a healthy financial situation.”

Hartley said advertisements will be placed and applications accepted to fill the position of assistant county manager. The process is expected to take about two months.