Commerce Secretary John Bryson resigned from his post late Wednesday, he and the White House said Thursday.
“I have come to the conclusion that I need to step down to prevent distractions from this critical mission,” Bryson wrote in a letter to Commerce Department staff.
He had been on a medical leave of absence since June 11, following a seizure that resulted in his involvement in two car accidents.
In a statement, President Barack Obama said he received a resignation letter from Bryson on Wednesday night and accepted it. “I want to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to John for his service over the past months, and wish him and his family the very best,” the president said.
