AGAWAM — Marc Strange, planning and community development director in Agawam, recently accepted the town administrator position in Ludlow. He said last week he will “miss the people” he has worked with since 2015.

“Working for Mayor [William] Sapelli has been a highlight,” Strange said.

He recognized Sapelli for his knowledge and “intuitiveness,” on all matters in town. Strange said Sapelli works with people better than anyone else he’s ever seen.

In addition to the mayor, Strange acknowledged the “great team of department heads,” he has worked closely with. Over the past seven years, he said there is no better team to work with than the one the town has now.

Throughout this time, Strange said he has learned a great deal on both the good and bad of municipal government. As a law school graduate from Western New England University, Strange said he thought he would end up as a town clerk or solicitor, but ultimately was hired by Mayor Richard Cohen to lead the town’s land-use planning and economic development office.

“Life happens,” said Strange, saying he wouldn’t trade these experiences and knowledge for anything.

Strange gave the town four weeks’ notice, which will expire on March 11. Strange said last week he was still negotiating his employment contract, though he expected to reach an agreement, including a start date, before the Ludlow Board of Selectmen’s March 1 meeting, which was after The Reminder’s deadline.

Sapelli said the open position has been posted online and is available to anyone.

“We will be looking for the best candidate,” to fill Strange’s shoes, added Sapelli. “It’s a pretty comprehensive position.”

The mayor explained that the town will keep the job posted for 10 days, and then will screen applicants, set up interviews, and narrow down the candidates to the top three picks. He said he wants to have someone on board by April 1, as this is an “important position” in town. The job’s salary and responsibilities will remain the same as they were for Strange.

If the town is not able to fill the position by April, Sapelli said other employees in the planning office will pick up the slack in the meantime.

“We’re not going to rush to hire anyone. We don’t want to be pressured to make a decision,” continued Sapelli.

Strange said there are some ongoing projects that he will need to leave for his replacement. Based on the town’s current Economic Development Plan, properties have been identified that Strange said he has made a “priority” to develop over the past seven years. This includes the former Games & Lanes site on Walnut Street Extension, and a large property off Tennis Road.

For both of these projects, he said he’s happy to see how far they’ve come, although neither will reach completion under his direction.

“I’m sure they will hire the best person for this position,” he said.

Although his upcoming departure will be “bittersweet,” Strange said, “I stress my appreciation for my time here. I’ve learned so much and I’m ready to grow in my next position.”

Sapelli described Strange’s tenure in Agawam as “professional” and “loyal.” As his new position in Ludlow is a promotion from his current one, Sapelli said nobody should ever stop bettering themselves if they have the chance.

“I’m happy for him and I wish him the best of luck in his new position,” Sapelli concluded.