Joan Wallace-Benjamin resigned her post last week as Gov. Deval Patrick’s chief of staff. She will return to her prior position as president and CEO of The Home for Little Wanderers, effective mid-May.

“For four years Joan did an exemplary job as CEO for The Home,” said John Hailer, chairman of The Home’s board. “We were sad to see her go, not only for her work with children, but also because of the great working relationship she had with the board.”

Hailer explained in a press release that the board conducted a national search for a replacement and received over 150 resumes.

“Certainly there was a stellar pool of candidates, but ultimately Joan was, and is, our strongest candidate,” Hailer said.

Wallace-Benjamin said that her work at “The Home on behalf of the state’s most vulnerable children and their families is where my heart and passion lie, and I am grateful for the chance to return to that important work.”

Patrick said that Wallace-Benjamin helped his administration during its first 100 days.

“Joan has done a tremendous job,” Patrick said. “I appreciate her hard work and dedication to public service, and wish her all the best as she returns to a place that she loves.”