Velinda Hardy, Covington Main Street director, has resigned effective immediately, according to an email to merchants from Newton County Chamber of Commerce President Ralph Staffins Friday.

“I want to assure you that there will be no drop off in performance in our Main Street department,” Staffins wrote in the email. “Our entire Chamber team stands ready and willing to ensure the success of the district while a search is conducted.”

Debbie Harper has been named the interim Main Street director.

“I have full confidence that she can more than handle the job with the full support of the staff at the Chamber, Tourism and Office of Economic Development,” Staffins wrote. “I assure you that I will have personal oversight over the program.”

Staffins said an “extensive and national” search will be conducted to find a replacement.