Jonas Peterson, chief executive of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp., has resigned.

Peterson led the non-profit development agency for the last three years, but is departing to take a new economic development position in Las Vegas.

The agency is operated in partnership with College of the Canyons and several local businesses. Earlier this year, it was awarded a three-year, $600,000 contract with the city of Santa Clarita to boost business development in the area.

Don Fleming, co-chairman of the agency, told a local radio station KHTS-AM (1220) that a search has already begun for a replacement.