Fayetteville, N.C. — Breeden Blackwell said Wednesday that he will resign from the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 31 to become the director of government relations for Cape Fear Valley Health System.

Blackwell has served as a commissioner since 1998 and was the board’s chairman in 2002 and 2008. A retired teacher and principal, he served on the Fayetteville City Council from 1992 to 1997.

"Through my service, I have gained the greatest respect for the people of Cumberland County and consider it a great honor to have had the opportunity to serve," Blackwell said in a letter to board Chairman Billy King.

Blackwell's term in his at-large seat expires in December. The local Democratic Party executive committee will nominate someone to fill the remainder of his term, and the board will have to approve the decision.