In a statement to DNR colleagues, issued midday, Myers said he is retiring for personal reasons, and looks forward to more time with his family, including aging parents, kids in college and his wife of 33 years.

Deputy Commissioner Marty Rutherford will step in as acting commissioner.

Myers was appointed DNR commissioner last April.

From 2011 to 2015 he was chancellor of research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

In the 1980s and 1990s Myers worked as a geologist with ARCO, Phillips Petroleum and the state.

In 2001 he was appointed to lead DNR's Division of Oil and Gas and in 2005 he also became state geologist and director of the Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys.

He was director of the U.S. Geological Survey from 2006 to 2009.

Myers led state efforts under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act from 2009 to 2011.

- Petroleum News