ISLE OF WIGHT—Patrick Small, Isle of Wight County’s assistant county administrator, has resigned to pursue other employment opportunities, according to a press release the county issued Tuesday afternoon.

Small had been with the county since 1999. He served as the director of economic development for six years and was promoted to assistant county administrator in July 2006.

As the assistant county administrator, Small was responsible for overseeing general services, parks and recreation, tourism, economic development, emergency services and information technology. All of those departments are temporarily reporting to W. Douglas Caskey, the county administrator.

According to Don Robertson, a county spokesman, the Board of Supervisors has authorized Caskey to begin the search for a new assistant county administrator.

Last March, Alan Nogiec, the county’s former parks and recreation director, was awarded $150,000 in a lawsuit against Small for defamation and $45,000 from the county for breach of contract.

The county is appealing the decision.