Aaron Schmidt, roads master plan director for Platte County, submitted his resignation on Friday.
Schmidt, 31, cited a job offer from Hunt Midwest, a construction firm, as the reason for his resignation. Schmidt will be construction manager in Hunt’s residential development division, he said.
Schmidt gave the county four weeks notice.
“I feel bad leaving at such an exciting time, but when an opportunity like this presents itself, you have to take it,” Schmidt said.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to work with a great company like Hunt Midwest. This opportunity is outstanding for myself professionally and for my family,” he said.
Schmidt has been employed by Platte County for nine years.
“I’ve been at the county ever since I graduated from school,” Schmidt said. “It’s been a great experience.
Seven of Schmidt’s years were in planning and zoning.
Schmidt emphasized that his new position with Hunt Midwest will be focused in Platte County and in Kansas City North.
“(Working north) is important to me because I’ve grown to love north of the river and Platte County,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt and his wife, Angela, 32, who works for Cerner, reside in Platte County, in Kansas City North. They have two children, Michael, 3, and Lily, 4-months.
Schmidt graduated from Missouri State University in Springfield in December 1996. He received a bachelor’s of science degree in urban and regional planning.
Schmidt began working for Platte County in January 1997. He started out as an entry-level planner in the planning and zoning department. After two years, Schmidt was promoted to director of planning and zoning, he said.
Schmidt was Platte County’s director of planning and zoning until this past January, when he was named director, roads master plan.
“As my career goes on, I’ll always look so fondly back on my time working in Platte County,” Schmidt said. “This job will prepare you for about anything.”
All three Platte County commissioners were complimentary of Schmidt and his service to the county over the past nine years.
“He has been an excellent employee and has grown so much in his job that we handed him the last few years,” said Presiding Commissioner Knight. “Hunt Midwest noticed what a great employee he is, and he will be a great employee for Hunt Midwest. It’s a wonderful opportunity for him. We will hate to lose him.”
District 1 Commissioner Tom Pryor and District 2 Commissioner Jim Plunkett agreed that Schmidt’s long service to the county deserves praise.
“I’d just like to thank him for his nine years of service to the county, for his dedication and hard work,” Pryor said.
“I appreciate the time he was here and the contribution he has made to Platte County,” Plunkett said.
Schmidt said his biggest regret about leaving will be having to miss all the road projects scheduled for this summer. There will be 8-10 road projects going this summer, said Greg Sager, director of public works.
“I love this work. I love doing these jobs. This summer, I was going to have a blast,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt said he thinks his resignation comes on a positive note.
“I feel like I’m leaving on good terms,” Schmidt said. “I wanted to give four weeks notice to wrap up some of the projects and make the transition as smooth as possible.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working for the county and thoroughly enjoyed working with the county commission,” Schmidt said.