VALDOSTA — Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center & Tourism Authority will have a new director.

The authority announced Thursday that Tim Riddle will no longer be the executive director.

Riddle had been director since 2012.

Frank Simons was named interim executive director of the James H. Rainwater Conference Center Thursday during the called meeting, according to a statement from the authority.

Simons is a former Valdosta police chief. Simons retired from the Valdosta Police Department in 2012.

Simons will replace Riddle while the authority searches for the next 120 days for a permanent executive director.

Under Simons’ leadership, the Valdosta-Lowndes Regional Crime Lab was created, the police headquarters was renovated and new personnel training was implemented and service improved through the use of technology, according to information provided by the authority.

The VPD also first became a nationally accredited force during his tenure as chief. Simons had promised to make the VPD nationally accredited in 1995 when he took the position of police chief.

“Frank’s leadership skills, dedication and ability to connect with people make him the best candidate to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Conference Center as we begin our search for an executive director,” said Rob Evans, authority chair.