The embattled director of the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs resigned yesterday — after a private meeting with the Governor. Elder Affairs director Judy Conlin came under fire for the way Iowa’s assisted living centers were regulated. In April, Governor Tom Vilsack said he was angered and saddened by the way Conlin’s agency handled the situation. He ordered another state department to take over inspections. Ron Parker, the Governor’s press secretary, says Vilsack met with Conlin yesterday to talk things out.Parker says Vilsack and Conlin agreed on one thing.Parker says the two agreed the climate of controversy was not going to allow Conlin to lead the department and make sure it was providing proper services for Iowa’s senior citizens. Mark Haverland, a former state legislator who’s also a minister, has been appointed interim director of the agency. The Governor’s also appointed a task force to chart the department’s future.