by Will Bryant

After three years as Executive Director of the Lake Norman Transportation Committee, Carroll Gray is stepping down.

Gray sent out an email to the press and those on the committee Oct. 13, writing that he had tendered his resignation effective Dec. 31, 2011.

Gray signed his initials after writing a short, simple sentence of resignation – “No problems, just time to move on.”

“Three years in a position like this is an adequate fit,” Gray said in a phone interview. “But I’ve got a few irons on the fire, and I’m working on a few projects as a consultant.”

Gray says he is proud of the work the commission has been able to do during his tenure as executive director in the regional board made up of leaders from the three north Mecklenburg County towns and Mooresville.

Gray says he is also satisfied with the progress made toward constructing the Red Line commuter train project that would connect Charlotte and Mooresville.

Last month, the N.C. Department of Transportation gave a presentation to Cornelius elected officials, detailing the how the department was planning to make the Red Line a priority.

Lake Norman Transportation Committee Chairman Brian Jenest says that Gray will likely stay involved with the committee.

“He may still play a role,” Jenest said. “He will no longer be director, but there could potentially be a role for him.”

Gray will continue his work at Revenue Growth Inc., a consulting firm he founded with Bob Confoy, former member of the Charlotte Chamber and Davidson resident.

The board is currently seeking résumés to replace Gray and has appointed a personnel committee to screen applicants.

Jenest attributes the committee’s success to Gray’s extensive network of connections, which Carroll compiled during his tenure as president of the Charlotte Chamber from 1984 to 2005.

“Carroll has been there from the beginning,” said Jenest. “He has provided great leadership for this committee.”

Gray was hired as the committee’s executive director in early 2009, and was charged with the task of improving the infrastructure of the towns around Lake Norman. The committee was specifically charged with working on the Red Line project.

“Carroll has done a great job for us,” Cornelius Assistant Town Manager Andrew Grant said.