SANTA ANA (CNS)—The head of Orange County’s emergency management department resigned Jan. 14 to take a position outside government.

Donna L. Boston sent a note to staff, announcing: “After 26 years in local government, I will be moving on to the private sector.”

Michelle Anderson, the department’s deputy director, was appointed interim director of emergency management.

Boston said in her note to staff that the department “will continue to innovate, improve and make each challenge into an opportunity.”

Anderson “brings to the position a phenomenal combination of skills, knowledge and abilities,” Boston said.

Said Carrie Braun, a public information officer for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department: “Donna has served the county well and we wish her luck in her future endeavors.”