PORTLAND (AP) — The CEO of the Maine Heritage Policy Center is resigning at the end of April to lead Virginia-based State Budget Solutions, a think tank that aims to help states develop fiscally sound budgets.

J. Scott Moody made his announcement Thursday at the Maine Heritage Policy Center’s monthly luncheon in Portland.

He said he’s looking forward to bringing what he’s learned with the conservative think tank in Maine to the Virginia-based group.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage said he is sad to see Moody leave Maine and described him “as a tremendous asset for Maine conservatives and a powerful defender of Maine taxpayers.”