ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is retiring.

Gov. Martin O’Malley announced the retirement of 65-year-old Raymond A. Skinner on Friday. Skinner, who has led the department since 2007, will step down at the end of the month.

Skinner also served as DHCD secretary from 1999 to 2003, during Gov. Parris Glendening’s administration.

O’Malley said in a statement that Skinner guided the agency to record achievements during one of the deepest economic downturns in the nation’s history.

Deputy Secretary Clarence Snuggs will become acting secretary of the department on Sept. 1.

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