ROANOKE(WSLS 10) - The man behind a major economic force in Roanoke is stepping down.
The Roanoke Higher Education Center's Executive Director Tom McKeon is retiring.
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In addition to adding $32 million a year to the local economy, the center also supports more than 300 jobs.
Dr. McKeon has been with the center since it first started 16 years ago.
From GEDs to PhDs, more than 9,000 people have left the center with new opportunities.
McKeon says throughout his career, he is most proud of this project/
"It's just really satisfying to know that we've reached that many people," McKeon said.
Now at age 71, McKeon says it's time to move on.
"I think it's time for new leadership, fresh ideas, fresh set of ideas, that kind of thing. But I have loved this job so much. It's meant a lot to me personally."
A decision he calls bittersweet. He says he plans to spend more time with his family and wife who is also near retirement. He plans to go to the beach with is five grandchildren.
"I've been working for a long time, so it's a little bit scary to try something totally new, but this has been a wonderful place to be," McKeon said.
After decades in higher education, Dr. McKeon and his wife moved to Roanoke to open the center.
Still in construction, the center was among the first large redevelopment projects in the city - transforming the former Norfolk and Western headquarters into a center of learning.
In 2007 the center restored the historic Henry Street buildings; now known as the Claude Moore Education Complex.
"We were able to bring that to fruition and now we are getting ready to expand," McKeon said.
An expansion that will allow partner Virginia Western to double the number of culinary students.
Another big project - the nursing clinical simulation center, which has allowed more nurses to get their degree faster. McKeon says they are also preparing to expand that program as well. That expansion will add another 600 students per year.
"I want the Roanoke community to know how much I appreciate the support that we've had from everyone we have had at all levels to make this a success," McKeon said. "This isn't a one man show. We have a great staff, a great team. I'm really proud of what they've been able to accomplish."
As far as the next executive director goes -- no one has been selected yet.
The board will appoint a search committee to select his replacement by the end of the year.