RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – North Carolina’s public health director has resigned, 18 months after her appointment.

The secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services announced she accepted Dr. Laura Gerald’s resignation Tuesday, effective immediately. Secretary Aldona Wos gave no reason for the resignation.

Gerald had two titles as state health director and director of the agency’s division of public health. Former Governor Beverly Perdue appointed her in January 2012, when the agency merged its division of public health and office of rural health and community care.

Wos informed division employees Tuesday evening.

Wos says Danny Staley will temporarily serve as the division’s acting director. His title has been deputy director.

Robin Cummings, director of the agency’s office of rural health and community care, will temporarily serve as acting state health director.

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