Barksdale Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Erly Saldano announced Wednesday he would be resigning as of August 26.

Saldano, who came to the Barksdale Boys and Girls Club in July 2009, said in a statement to board members, "This decision was solely based on the best interest for my family. I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your commitment and dedication in serving our club as well as our community. I look forward to hearing even greater things for our Barksdale club in the future."

"We've done some great things and we'll continue to do great things," said Saldano, by phone.

He declined to discuss where he would be going but said he was leaving for a better opportunity for his family and that they would remain in Georgia. He said details of interim leadership or his replacement were being worked out but the club had capable leadership in place and would be able to continue its current programs.

Al Moreno, chair of the Barksdale Boys and Girls Club board, said by email, "Erly Saldano has been a great asset to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta family and impacted many young lives. As executive director of the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Club for two years, Erly remained dedicated to ensuring BGCMA members had a strong presence in the community and strived for great futures. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. He will truly be missed."

Prior to working at the Barksdale Club, Saldano worked in the Lawrenceville Boys and Girls Club, where he raised funds for the teen center and increased program participation by 75 percent.

Saldano came to Georgia in 2005 from Los Angles, Calif., where he served in Beverly Hills and South Central as a program coordinator for the Department of Juvenile Justice. He also helped reduce gang violence by mediating between rival gangs and worked closely with the University of Southern California’s school of social work.

Saldano had replaced Michael Roberts, the previous executive director at the Barksdale club.