HANOVER – Bruce Powell and his wife, Shirley, decided to get away from the rat race and fast lane of Bridgeport, Conn., 31 years ago, and never turned back. They settled in and raised their children here.

Owners of Stony Brook Recreation, a former business manager for SAD 44 in Bethel, and now an accountant for Sunday River Ski Resort, Powell also shared his expertise in all things financial with his adopted hometown.

For 12 years, he served as first selectman for the small town, overseeing changes that included computerizing town records, and moving the town office from his home and that of the town clerk, to its very own place with regular staffing and hours.

At last week’s annual town meeting, he resigned. He was also honored as the town’s volunteer of the year.

When he first ran for office, he said he wanted to help his town and he knew he had the financial skills.

“I’ve enjoyed it, working with other board members and meeting many townspeople. It’s been a very rewarding experience,” he said.

But now, he wants to spend more time further developing his 50-site campground. He is also a dealer for Park Model Homes, a recreational vehicle enterprise.

He said a lot has been accomplished during his 12 years on the board. The establishment of a town office, located on Ferry Road, provides a more comfortable experience for people when they conduct town business. Many felt uncomfortable entering someone’s home, he said.

The new office also provides space for selectmen and other municipal meetings, and a traditional presence.

But other things have been achieved, as well, such as the creation of two boat launches on the Androscoggin River, one at the rear of the town office and the second on the western edge of town.

The old schoolhouse, known as the town house, located on Howard Pond Road, has been updated, too. Gas now heats it rather than an old kerosene burner, and soon, water and sewer facilities will be added.

A Web site now describes the town’s assets, and the historic Gardner Roberts Memorial Library has been moved to the town office site.

Powell plans to continue his membership in the River Valley Growth Council and on the town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee, at least for now. But he wanted more time to devote to his business.

“It was a big decision to leave. I will miss it. And it has been a good experience,” he said.

Longtime Selectman Brenda Gross took the reins as chairwoman of the three-member board earlier this week. Powell was there to help out and agreed to be accessible by telephone if the board should need assistance with any of the town’s finances.