Townsend, TN (WOKI) After more than a decade with the organization, the executive director of the Appalachian Bear Rescue is stepping down.

ABR announcing via social media that Dana Dodd would be stepping down from her role as executive director to spend more time with family and friends in Nashville.

Dodd, who lives in the mid-state, joined ABR as president of the board in 2011 before moving into her current position in 2017.

Greg Grieco will serve as interim executive director while the rescue works towards its next phase.

The announcement comes as ABR is working with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to get back up and running after a pneumonia outbreak late last year.