The Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce has a vacant position to fill after Carl Brickey IV resigned from his position as Carter County Tourism Coordinator last week.

Brickey submitted his resignation March 9 and is taking the opportunity to start his own outfitter business as a fishing guide in Smyth County, Va.

“I have wanted to be a fishing guide for a long time,” Brickey said. “The time is right to do that. I want to be able to pour a lot of time, attention and energy into this to get it off the ground and make it a success.”

Brickey began working with the Chamber as tourism coordinator in January 2014. He is originally from Broadford, Va., and graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in sports and leisure management.

During his tenure as tourism coordinator, Brickey took steps to focus on Carter County’s natural assets, such as the Appalachian Trail, Watauga Lake and the Watauga River.

He had also expressed a desire to build on current festivals and bring in more live entertainment options as events for the county.

Chamber Director Tonya Stevens wished Brickey well on his future endeavors and thanked him for his time at the Chamber of Commerce.

“He resigned to pursue his other interests and what he is passionate about,” Stevens said. “We appreciate the work he has done. He brought a knowledge to the job that was very beneficial for us, and he continued to work on projects that were already in place at the Chamber.”

While the position for tourism coordinator is vacant, the Chamber will be taking its time when finding the next person for the job.

“The board will meet and discuss this,” Stevens said. “Obviously, we want to be as strategic as possible about the placement for the job, and we want to make the right decision.”