Drue Pearce, a former president of the Alaska Senate, was asked to leave her job as the head of the small agency known as the Office of the Federal Coordinator. Her resignation takes effect Jan. 3.

In a statement, Pearce said that it had been "a profound privilege to lead this innovative team."

"I am a passionate supporter of the agency's mission to bring Alaska natural gas to North American markets," said Pearce. "I leave an effective and efficient agency with a highly skilled team of professionals actively pursuing our mission."

Pearce served from 2001 to 2006 as the senior adviser to the Secretary of the Interior for Alaska Affairs until she was appointed to another political job by President George W. Bush, as the federal coordinator for the gas pipeline. She was confirmed as federal coordinator by the Senate in 2006.