× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

CHICAGO — An attorney appointed last year by Gov. Bruce Rauner to lead the Illinois medical marijuana program has resigned to pursue work in the private sector.

Joseph Wright, 32, who was in the position for just over one year, told The Associated Press on Monday he felt the time was right to seek other opportunities, possibly in the medical cannabis industry.

A spokeswoman for the governor confirmed the resignation Monday. Spokeswoman Catherine Kelly told the AP the governor's office "will have no further comment" on the reasons for the resignation.

Wright, who resigned Friday, was paid $53,770 last year, according to a public database of state employee salaries. He will be replaced by Jack Campbell, the program's bureau chief in the Department of Agriculture, Kelly said.

Campbell, 51, the incoming program director, has a background in law enforcement. In 2014, he lost a GOP primary election for Sangamon County sheriff. He continued working as a sergeant for the county until retiring in early January. His state medical marijuana job began last summer under a contract that paid him $45 an hour.

The program's first director, Bob Morgan, called the leadership change "positive news for patients."