Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Sharon M. Palmer has opted to retire from the agency at the end of this year, according to a press release from the governor's office. Palmer, a resident of Waterford, began her position as the head of the department in August 2012 and was reappointed earlier this year when the governor began his second term in office.

“I have always known Sharon to be an advocate for helping others, and have been impressed with her focus on workforce and education issues in our state, because both create good jobs and deliver a strong economy for Connecticut,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said. “Under Sharon’s tenure, many successful employment programs and services were developed and launched. I thank her for her unwavering dedication and her service.”

Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman will launch a search for a successor.