Colorado’s chief medical officer resigns

Colorado’s chief medical officer will step down at the end of the month, Gov. John Hickenlooper’s office announced Friday.

Dr. Larry Wolk, who also serves as executive director of the state’s Department of Public Health and Environment, is leaving to take a job as chief medical officer with the Wonderful Co. in Santa Monica, Calif. Wolk joined the governor’s Cabinet in 2013.

“During his tenure, Larry has been challenged by marijuana legalization, increasing oil and gas development and the domestic introductions of Ebola and Zika viruses, to name a few,” Hickenlooper said in a statement. “His development of state plans to address these and other emerging issues are just a few examples of his impressive legacy.”

Karin McGowan, deputy executive director of the agency, will serve as interim executive director of the Department of Public Health and Environment. And Dr. Tista Ghosh, deputy medical director, will become interim chief medical officer through the end of the governor’s administration.

As chief medical officer at the Wonderful Co., Wolk will oversee Wonderful Health and Wellness.

The Wonderful Co. is the owner of “health brands” such as POM Wonderful pomegranate juice, Wonderful Halos mandarins and Wonderful Pistachios.