SALISBURY — W. Brian Hiatt will serve as the city’s interim planning director until a new director is named.

Hiatt was city manager of Concord from October 1998 until his retirement this year.

“I am honored to be able to assist the city of Salisbury during this interim period,” Hiatt said. “I have enjoyed retirement thus far, but I’m grateful to still be able to contribute to local government in some manner. I have heard great things about the planning team and look forward to working with them.”

Hiatt’s appointment comes after the retirement of Planning Director Janet Gapen and the resignation of Development and Code Services Manager Preston Mitchell to take a new job.

“We are lucky to have someone of Brian’s caliber available to see us through this transition within our community planning team,” said City Manager Lane Bailey. “While we continue to search for talent to take over the reins from Janet, I know Brian will be a great help to our city. I look forward to working with him on Salisbury’s future planning goals.”

Hiatt began the job on Monday. He will lead on a part-time basis.

He was assistant city manager in Hickory for more than 10 years. He has a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and a master’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The city has begun a search for a permanent planning director.