In the past three years alone, she saw the public health scares associated with the 2002 Winter Olympics come and go. She oversaw the launch of fluoridated water in Utah's most populous county. And she helped develop the department's first bioterrorism-response plans.

She also has seen an unprecedented string of scandals ravage Salt Lake County government. But, while bothered by the troubles, the executive director says that's not why she announced her resignation Wednesday.

"Yes, it's been distasteful. It's been unpleasant. It's been uncomfortable," Pavey said of the turmoil that has toppled officials and threatens Salt Lake County Mayor Nancy Workman's political future. "But it's not the primary reason. I just need to reassess my career. . . . This is the time to do that."

Pavey is a key prosecution witness in the hiring scandal, which resulted in two felony charges against Workman. The outgoing Health Department director complained multiple times to Workman's administration about a "ghost" employee.

Pavey, whose resignation is effective at year's end, has accepted a job with TechniScan Medical Systems, a Utah-based company that uses advanced-imaging technology to provide noninvasive diagnoses of breast cancer.

Upon announcing her departure, Pavey called for better communication between county officials and the Health Department. She says she had only two 15-minute conversations with Workman in her three years overseeing the agency and suggested the executive director should be a member of the county mayor's Cabinet.

Dismayed at Workman's directive that Health Department officials not talk to members of the County Council or attend their meetings, she said such restrictions created a "don't ask, don't tell" environment.

"That contributed to the point we are at today," Pavey said.

Others, including Republican County Councilman David Wilde, agreed.

"The mayor has sort of created an environment of secrecy," he told the health board. "I'd like to see a little more attitude of teamwork."

Board members will recommend a 15- to 17-member selection committee - comprised of county elected officials, employees and community leaders - to help pick Pavey's replacement.

After briefing board members Wednesday morning, Pavey announced her decision to the 430 Health Department employees gathered for their annual meeting.

Colleagues immediately praised their director, saying she is "truly a legend."

"You set an example that's really incredible," said JoAnn Seghini, a board member and Midvale mayor.

Pavey began her health career in 1975 as a college intern. Her 2001 appointment as permanent executive director marked the first time in more than 30 years a non-physician held the department's top post.

djensen@sltrib.com