The Augusta Economic Development Authority announced Monday that Walter Sprouse retired as Executive Director effective October 24, and that former Augusta mayor Deke Copenhaver has been hired as a managing consultant for the Authority until a President is selected to lead the Development Authority.

The Development Authority announced in September that Sprouse would retire effective December 31. The Authority and Sprouse agreed to move up the retirement date to accommodate Sprouse’s plans to pursue a new employment opportunity.

“The Augusta Economic Development Authority and the citizens of Augusta are extremely grateful for the work Walter has done for us over the years,” said Authority Chairman Henry Ingram. “We wish Walter all the best in his future endeavors, and we look forward to exciting new opportunities for economic development in Augusta under new leadership.”

The announcement of Sprouse’s retirement and Copenhaver’s hire was made after a Personnel Committee meeting Monday.

“The Chason Group search firm continues to search for qualified candidates for the office of President, as well as other Authority positions previously announced,” said Pat Schaffer, chair of the Personnel Committee.

Copenhaver served as mayor of Augusta from 2005 to 2014 and is the principal member of Copenhaver Consulting, LLC. He will provide economic development management services for the Authority on an interim basis until the Authority selects and places a President to lead the Authority.