In an email to employees at his agency obtained by CNN’s Jim Acosta, outgoing director of the US Secret Service Randolph “Tex” Alles told the workforce he was not fired, but was told weeks ago that the administration would be making “transitions in leadership” at the Department of Homeland Security.

Details of the email are below:

To the Men and Women of the U.S. Secret Service:

My departure from the U.S. Secret Service has been announced and is effective in May.

No doubt you have seen media reports regarding my “firing”. I assure you that this is not the case, and in fact was told weeks ago by the Administration that transitions in leadership should be expected across the Department of Homeland Security. The President has directed an orderly transition in leadership for this agency and I intend to abide by that direction. It is my sincere regret that I was not able to address the workforce prior to this announcement.

It has been my great honor to serve as Director of the U.S. Secret Service. I want to personally thank you all for a job well done. Your pride, strength and resilience is what has, and will continue to, allow this agency to accomplish great things. Your dedication and sacrifice continue to make the U.S. Secret Service an elite law enforcement agency; one that will remain so well into the future.

Assistant Director of the Office of Protective Operations James Murray has been named the incoming Director of the Secret Service. Jim is a consummate professional, a true leader and I have great confidence in his capabilities. Please give him the outstanding support that you have shown me these past two years.

Sincerely,

R. D. “Tex” Alles