SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor Lori Bays announced this week that she will be resigning from her position, hoping to be of more "direct" influence in the community.

"As much as I have enjoyed many aspects of my job, I have come to the realization over the last year that I want to return to a role where I can more directly partner with individuals and organizations in our community to improve lives and effectively use my skills and talents," Bays said in an email to colleagues this week, obtained by the Deseret News Friday.

Bays submitted her resignation Nov. 30. Her last day with the county will be Jan. 1, but she said she will be traveling over the holidays, so she will only be in the office until Dec. 9.

"This is an incredible community, and I look forward to future opportunities to work with (the county) to make it even better, healthier," she said, thanking the mayor for her appointment.

McAdams said in a prepared statement Friday that he appreciates Bays' service, and he will be making announcements in the near future about an "executive team reorganization" in his office.

"She cares deeply about the well-being of residents here and has made significant contributions to a safer, healthier, more prosperous future for everyone in this valley,” McAdams said. “I wish her well in her future endeavors.”