Keith Luke, the economic development director in Windham for the last five years, has been hired to fill a similar position in Westbrook.

Luke will take the position left vacant in March by Erik Carson, who took a job as assistant city manager in South Portland. Luke will start Sept. 2 in Westbrook, where his salary will be $70,735.

Luke, 42, submitted his resignation Tuesday to Windham Town Manager Tony Plante, who announced Luke’s departure at the Town Council meeting that night.

“I appreciate the work he’s done and the contributions he’s made to the town,” Plante said. The Westbrook job, Plante said, gives Luke the chance to work in a more urban area with a large industrial base. “It’s a good professional opportunity for Keith.”

Luke called the Westbrook position a “great opportunity.” Westbrook has successful business parks, alternative transportation options, and a thriving downtown to its credit, he said.

“I think Westbrook is poised to be the leading business community in Cumberland County, and I look forward to being a part of it,” Luke said.

In Westbrook, with much of the infrastructure already in place, Luke will focus on business attraction and retention. He hopes to help bring the city a wide range of businesses “so that a downturn in any one industry isnt’ going to be crippling,” Luke said.

Westbrook City Administrator Jerre Bryant said Luke has a solid background in economic development.

“He seems to be very well-suited for the position,” said Bryant. “We’re very excited.”

Luke did not immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday morning.

A Windham councilor said he was sad to see Luke was moving on.

“We lost a good one,” said Councilor Kaile Warren. He said Luke’s departure gives the town an opportunity to review its development strategy and decide where it wants to dedicate its resources in the future.

“If anything good comes of it, I hope it’s that the town of Windham takes a more serious approach to not only economic development but community development,” he said.

While Windham’s roads are stressed due to growth and need to be addressed, Luke said, the lack of sewer in North Windham will be the largest issue faced by his successor.

“The sewer for North Windham will stay on the economic to-do list until it gets done,” he said.

The price tag of $6-7 million may seem staggering, but the work is needed in order to attract businesses to Windham, Luke said.

“That’s the price of quality jobs,” he said.