April 26--LINCOLN -- The executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County has resigned after eight years.

Geoff Ladd announced his plan in a prepared statement released Thursday.

"I have decided to pursue exciting new employment opportunities," Ladd said. "I am looking forward to helping the bureau during this transition phase for their organization."

Ladd did not elaborate on his reasons for leaving, but leaders with the bureau and the city of Lincoln are discussing options that could pave the way for major changes to the bureau's funding.

The bureau receives the majority of its revenue from the city's hotel/motel tax, but the city wants more say in how the money is used and has formed a committee to investigate the issue.

Ladd said he was proud of his work.

"Tourism remains a vital part of the local economy," he said in his statement, "and I am pleased that over the last several years, we have seen a growth in the hotel tax revenue by over 30 percent, which means more and more people are coming to visit for the events, sports tournaments and daily attractions we have to offer."

Ladd will continue as chairman of the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County.

"This is an important project," he said, "and when fully restored and opened as a museum, the attraction will be even bigger tourism draw to Lincoln and Logan County."

The bureau's board chairman, Stacie Wachtel, could not be reached for comment.

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