KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 6, 2016

Atlanta's main economic development agency is in need of a new leader.

Craig Richard announced his resignation as president and CEO of Invest Atlanta on Wednesday.

His last day will be Jan. 18. He was hired in November of 2014.

Invest Atlanta serves as a liaison between government entities and help smoothen public and private partnerships. Its main purpose is to boost Atlanta's economy.

“Typically you’ll see them involved in either assisting in the relocation of businesses to the area or, in many times, they’re involved in helping re-do some of the less desirable real estate areas,” says Dr. Roger Tutterow, an economics professor at Kennesaw State University.

Richard's eventual successor will also have to work well with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who serves as the chairman of Invest Atlanta's board.

"We've got the heavyweights all aligned, I think we should just keep that focus.  You know, these other groups like Invest Atlanta, they're all good, but they're not primary," said Dr. Jeff Rosensweig, an an associate professor of International Business and Finance at Emory University.

Dr. Eloisa Klementich will serve as interim president and CEO.

Wabe.org