By Jory Heckman
Federal News Radio

Jessica Wright, under secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, announced her retirement Wednesday after serving in government for more than 40 years. Wright said she will step down from her position effective March 31, 2015, more than two years into the job.

In her letter of resignation to President Barack Obama and outgoing Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Wright, a retired major general and former commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard, justified her departure by saying she’d like to spend time with her family and enjoy her retirement.

Wright began her role as under secretary on Jan. 1, 2013 and was confirmed by the Senate on June 25, 2014.

Wright explained in her resignation notice that serving as the under secretary for personnel and readiness and taking care of DoD’s civilian and military workforce has been one of the greatest privileges of her career.

“I want to thank our under secretary for personnel and readiness, Jes Wright,” Hagel said in a statement. “Thank you Jes for your service to this country, and the many, many long and distinguished years that you have given to our nation.”

As under secretary, Wright advocated for reforms to combat sexual assault in the military. The under secretary for personnel and readiness oversees military health affairs, training and personnel requirements and management — including issues of equal opportunity, morale and quality of life.

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