The director of the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency agency abruptly stepped down from his post when he sent his resignation to the county commission Monday night.

The commission voted Tuesday to accept Zach Hood’s resignation, according to Fox 10.

“As I work to further grow in academia and professional opportunities I would like to also focus on family, career development, and leadership,” Hood wrote in his resignation letter, Fox 10 reported. “I certainly trust each of you will understand.”

Baldwin County Commission Chairman Skip Gruber said Hood gave no prior notice that he would be stepping down and said the EMA director’s resignation came as a surprise.

Assistant EMA Director Tom Tyler is serving as interim director while the commission finds a permanent replacement for Hood.