Lehigh County Executive William H. Hansell has resigned his post effective immediately. Hansell was appointed to fill the unexpired term of former Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham last summer.

Hansell has recently been hospitalized with pneumonia and subsequently diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He has started undergoing treatment and felt that it was imperative to devote his energy and time toward restoring his health.

In his letter of resignation, Hansell said, "I have been proud to serve as Lehigh County Executive for the past year. I felt that it was the culmination of my 52-year career in local government. The decision to resign has been one of the hardest I've had to make in my professional life."

Hansell has appointed Thomas Muller as acting Lehigh County executive. Muller has spent the past seven years serving Lehigh County as Director of Administration. Hansell said, "I have every confidence in Tom's ability to carry out the responsibilities of this position and to serve all the residents of Lehigh County."