(AP) — The Gage Area Growth Enterprise board has fired the executive director it hired just last year.

The board voted on Thursday to dismiss Bill Demuth. Neither board members nor their attorney would say what led to Demuth’s ouster.

Demuth began the job on Sept. 4 last year after signing a two-year contract. He also declined to comment about the board’s decision.

The city of Beatrice and Gage County government contribute $100,000 annually to economic development through the agency.