MASSENA — Village officials have another vacancy to fill on the Business Development Corporation for a Greater Massena’s board of directors.

Mark Reagan resigned from his post effective Thursday. He was first appointed to the board in December 2006.

Mr. Reagan said he needed to leave for personal reasons. His term was set to expire at the end of this year.

“I felt I’ve put my time in,” he said. “Everyone should put their time in their community.”

He said he thinks the BDC board was heading in the right direction.

“They’re all real good, professional people,” he said. “They’re all really sharp. The new people bring new ideas, new energy.”

Of the BDC’s seven volunteer board members, the Town Council appoints three, the village Board of Trustees appoints three and one is appointed jointly. Mr. Reagan is a village appointment.

Mayor James F. Hidy said he has the authority to appoint people to fill unexpired terms, while the entire village board will appoint someone to a full term at the end of this year.

“I’ve talked to a couple of people that are interested. I haven’t come to a conclusion yet,” Mr. Hidy said. “I’d certainly like to place another business person on the board. I’ve got a couple of people in mind.”

Only two of the BDC’s seven board members now have more than a year and a half of experience. Treasurer Chris Herrick was first appointed in April 2008, while President Daniel S. Pease came aboard in September 2005.

Larry Ralston joined in October of 2010, while Ronald J. Bacon was appointed the following month. Crista M. Makdouli and David W. LaClair have both been appointed in the last six months.

This is not the first time there has been turnover within the organization. Mr. Pease said he became president of the board within a year after he joined.

“Right after I got on the board there was a significant amount of turnover,” he said. “I think it’s just periodically the boards turn like this.”

There are pros and cons to a younger board, Mr. Pease said.

“A young board certainly gives you some fresher ideas, but we lose a lot of institutional memory. Decisions made four or five years ago are new to the new board members,” he said. “Mark has a lot of experience on the board and has made significant contributions to the board’s decisions and will certainly be missed.”

Mr. Reagan was among the board members who pushed Executive Director Jason A. Clark to spend less time on the Interstate 98 project and more time on Massena-centered projects.

Mr. Clark declined to comment on Mr. Reagan’s departure except to say “I wish him well.”

Supervisor Joseph D. Gray said a combination of new ideas and experienced members works best on any board.

“I don’t think fresh ideas and fresh faces are a bad thing,” he said. “I think Mark will be missed. He’s been a voice of reason on that board.”

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