Grand Traverse County Finance Director Dean Bott has submitted his resignation, according to County Administrator Tom Menzel.

Bott will be leaving his post effective December 16. "Though personally disappointed in that I will not have the opportunity to work with Dean in the months and years ahead, I am very happy that he has a career move that he seems excited about and wish him all the best for much future success," says Menzel. The administrator adds that Bott has "exemplified qualities that I respect in terms of ethics and stability, combined with a strong work ethic" and says Bott's departure will leave a "big gap to fill in finance."

Though initially aiming to resign on December 11, Bott agreed to stay through the 16th to help Menzel finish the 2016 budget. There will be a staff farewell party for Bott on the 16th, as well as recognition of his contributions to the county at the county commission meeting that evening, Menzel says.

Bott's resignation is the latest in a series of turnovers in top county leadership positions this year. Former County Administrator Dave Benda and Human Resources Director Jen Seman both departed in the spring, while Facilities Director Danny Brown resigned in August. Longtime Jail Administrator Robert Hall also retired in August. He was followed by 911 Director Jamel Anderson, who retired in October.