Boston Federal Reserve President Eric Rosengren announced Monday he is stepping down from his position, retiring nine months earlier than he had planned due to health concerns.

After being scheduled for June 2022, the retirement will take effect on Thursday. Since 1985, he has worked at the Boston Fed and served as its president from July 2007.

In an announcement that comes on the heels of controversy the regional Fed leader had faced regarding personal stock trading, Rosengren, 64, revealed that he has been on a kidney transplant list since June 2020.

According to a release, Rosengren was told by his doctor that lifestyle changes could reduce his need for dialysis.

In a statement, he stated that “It was an honour to serve as the Federal Reserve System,” and added that a job in which one can constantly engage in pursuing New England’s economic and financial wellbeing has made it a great honor. I know my fellow colleagues will continue to build upon our achievements and make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

The Fed has come under criticism in recent weeks following revelations that several of its officials had owned and been trading individual stocks, a potential conflict with the Fed’s role in the financial markets.

Rosengren and Robert Kaplan, the Dallas Fed President, were prominent figures in this controversy. Both pledged to liquidate all of their stockholdings. Federal Reserve officials have pledged to make stricter rules about what assets they can possess.

The retirement announcement did not mention the subject. Rosengren said that he was trying to improve his health so that he can continue to pursue areas of professional and personal interest.

Boston Fed is leading the research into possible digital currencies for central banks. These would look similar to other cryptocurrency like bitcoin and be linked to the dollar, providing another option of payment for Americans.

Jerome Powell, Fed chairman, praised Rosengren for his work as a Fed official. This included the management of the Main Street Lending Program during the Covid-19 epidemic.

Powell released a statement saying that Eric had distinguished himself over the past three decades in his dedicated service as a Federal Reserve System official. Eric was a tireless focus, not only for his insights in monetary policy but also on the best way to maintain the financial stability. He will be greatly missed by my colleagues and me.

The Boston Fed’s interim president and chief executive officer will be Kenneth C. Montgomery. A search committee will determine the permanent successor, though the release announcing Rosengren’s retirement noted that preparations already had been underway for a change in leadership given that he would have faced mandatory retirement next year.