WASHINGTON - The Obama administration's auto communities' recovery czar is stepping down after 15 months on the job, reported The Detroit News.

Ed Montgomery, who was named dean of the school of public policy at Georgetown University last week, served as the administration's point man for bringing aid to battered auto industry communities as two major domestic automakers sought bankruptcy protection last year.

"Over the last year, Ed has crisscrossed the country in a tireless effort to cut through red tape and speed the economic recovery for those hit hardest by the auto industry's struggles," President Barack Obama said in a statement today. "The results of his efforts have been felt in auto towns across America -- from the factories being put back to use years ahead of schedule to the workers retraining for jobs in emerging industries."

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm noted Montgomery's work in the state.

"There is no overstating the support Ed Montgomery has given the state of Michigan," Granholm said. "Last year was cataclysmic for the auto industry. General Motors, Chrysler and over 50 auto suppliers declared bankruptcy. Bank lending froze. Auto sales tanked. Foreclosures hit record highs while home values plunged. And our unemployment rate soared as middle-class manufacturing jobs disappeared by the tens of thousands. At every step of the way on each and every one of these issues Ed Montgomery and his team were front and center, advocating for Michigan."

Ron Bloom, the Obama administration's top auto adviser, also praised Montgomery.

"It's a rare to find someone with such knowledge, energy and dedication for this kind of work. Ed Montgomery really gets it," Bloom said.

Montgomery, who joined the administration in March 2009, left his post as dean of the University of Maryland's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. He will step down in two months.

Montgomery has pushed to help struggling communities win grants and get help. He recently helped the Environmental Protection Agency win approval of a cleanup plan for much of General Motors Co.'s former Buick City manufacturing site.

Obama said Montgomery will be replaced.

"While Ed will be missed, my administration's commitment to autoworkers and communities remains strong. The work of the White House Council on Auto Communities will continue under the direction of Secretary Solis and NEC Director Larry Summers, and we will move quickly to find a replacement for Dr. Montgomery," Obama said.