Stonington — Two-term Republican Selectwoman Glee McAnanly has announced she will resign Sept. 15 because she is taking a job in Memphis, Tenn.

McAnanly, who could not be reached for comment Friday, announced her decision to the Republican Town Committee on Thursday.

McAnanly was defeated by incumbent Democratic First Selectman Ed Haberek by just 45 votes in the November 2013 race for first selectman.

In her letter to the town committee, she said her decision is based on a new career opportunity with her former company, Servicemaster, that will require her and her family to relocate to Memphis where the firm is headquartered.

She thanked residents for their encouragement and support during her tenure.

“I am proud of the work we have accomplished here in town and look forward to seeing Stonington become one of the leading communities in the area,” she wrote.

She said she looks forward to visiting the town in the future with her family. She said she will work diligently with the town committee to come up with a candidate to serve out her term, which ends in November 2015.