Missouri health director resigns

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Maureen Dempsey, Missouri's state health director who oversees an agency at the center of bioterrorism preparations and abortion-related disputes, announced her resignation Thursday.

Dempsey, 44, is stepping down effective Jan. 25 "in order to pursue other professional opportunities," the Department of Health and Senior Services said Thursday.

Dempsey was appointed by then-Gov. Mel Carnahan in June 1997 and was retained by fellow Democratic Gov. Bob Holden, who took office a year ago. A statement from the health department did not elaborate on Dempsey's plans.

Ron Cates, the health department's chief operating officer, will serve as interim director. Holden said he would promptly begin looking for a permanent replacement.