After almost five years as New Gloucester’s town manager, and three decades in public service, Rosemary Kulow is ready to take her life in another direction.

“I think it’s time to give something else a shot,” said Kulow, who submitted her letter of resignation last week and will serve her last day Sept. 19. In response, selectmen voted to hire Maine Municipal Association to help with finding Kulow’s replacement.

“Hopefully, we can find someone who is positive and helpful to the community, like Rosemary was,” said Selectwoman Linda Chase.

Kulow said she is exploring a “private sector opportunity,” but would not give details.

“I’m really looking forward to a new challenge,” she said.

Kulow, who previously served as town manager in Sebago and city manager in Gardiner, Eastport, and Platteville, Wisc., said she will miss working in a municipal office and having her finger on the pulse of the community.

“The work that I do here is a part of me,” she said. “It’s in my heart, and I love the people I work with.”

Though she takes with her many memories of the last five years, Kulow said the effort to build a new fire station for the town stands out. The project started just as Kulow came to New Gloucester, and a groundbreaking for the site was held last month.

“You’re able to see it go through almost the entire process,” she said. “It’s great to have something as tangible as a building that is going to serve Fire and Rescue for many, many years to come.”

Kulow has recommended to selectmen that they hire a interim manager “to keep the train on the tracks” while a search is conducted for a full-time replacement. Until her final day, Kulow will be compiling a list of ongoing and open issues facing the town, such as upcoming purchases and renovations.

“I want to leave it very well organized for the folks that move in here,” she said.

Kulow’s experience and enthusiasm will be missed, Chase said.

“She’s very approachable, very knowledgeable, so she kind of made my job easier,” Chase said.

Rosemary Kulow has stepped down after almost five years as town manager in New Gloucester.