JUNEAU (AP) — State Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Myers has announced his retirement.

He cited personal reasons for his decision in an email to department staff Tuesday. His retirement will be effective March 1.

He says Deputy Commissioner Marty Rutherford will serve as acting commissioner. Rutherford has been involved in the state’s efforts to advance a major liquefied natural gas project.

Myers says he looks forward to spending more time with family. He says that due to the nature of jobs he’s held over the last decade, he has “deferred or delayed much on a personal level,” including retirement.

Myers’ previous work with the department includes leading the divisions of Oil and Gas and Geological and Geophysical Surveys. He also was a vice chancellor for research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.