Alex Fischer, former deputy governor and chief of Staff to Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist, has resigned from his position as senior vice president for business and economic development at Battelle, the world's largest nonprofit independent research and development organization.

Fischer, who also served as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, sent an e-mail to friends and colleagues explaining the reason for his sudden departure from a job he only assumed in December.

He states, "As I assumed my vastly increased responsibilities last year, I did so with my typical professional zeal but also at a time of great personal challenge. Being involved in meetings nearly 200 nights last year has taken a toll and forced me to consider how my personal and professional lives have been in conflict for a very long time. I am closing this chapter in my career and pursuing some more specific interests that offer a better alignment for me professionally and personally."

Prior to his December promotion, Fischer served a year as Director of Technology Transfer and Economic Development for UT-Battelle at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

As for his future plans, Fischer said that he planned to do some international traveling but will reside in Columbus, Ohio, where he recently relocated and where Battelle has its headquarters.

A spokesperson for Battelle this morning confirmed Fischer's departure, but declined to elaborate on the decision or the organization's future plans.