The Tri-City Development Council’s longtime executive president and chief executive officer has announced plans to retire.

Carl Adrian told the TRIDEC Executive Committee he will retire at the end of January 2020 during an Aug. 12 meeting. Adrian has been with TRIDEC for nearly 16 years and is its longest serving president.

“During his tenure the community has experienced unprecedented economic growth and prosperity. Carl and TRIDEC have played an important role in the community’s successes and that is only possible because of the support from you our members,” said Eric Pearson, TRIDEC board chairman, in a message sent to the TRIDEC membership.

The executive committee is developing a process to initiate the search for a new president. As outlined by the TRIDEC bylaws, Pearson will be appointing a search committee in the very near future.

Carl and his wife, Rheta, plan to continue to make the Tri-Cities their home so there won’t be a farewell, but merely a changing of the guard, Pearson said.

Established in 1963, the Tri-City Nuclear Industrial Council was formed for the purpose of promoting and advancing the economic strength and diversity in Benton and Franklin counties.

That council evolved into TRIDEC, which is managed by a 39-member board of directors, comprised of representatives from the local business community, private sector leaders and organizations committed to creating and supporting jobs in the region.