Gov. John Engler accepted the resignation of Michigan Department of Corrections Director Bill Martin on Wednesday.

“Over the many years I’ve known him, Bill Martin has served the citizens of Michigan ably,” Engler said in a written statement. “I wish him well as he enters the private sector.”

Martin is the fifth director of the Michigan Department of Corrections and has held this position since January 1999.

The director of Department of Corrections oversees the state prison system. One of Martin’s responsibilities was the establishment and growth of the Prison Build Program, said Matt Davis, spokesman for the Department of Corrections.

In the program, inmates help build Habitat for Humanity houses.

Davis also said that Martin’s resignation was not a surprise.

“Most directors of the Department of Corrections’ average length of tenure is two-and-a-half months,” Davis said.

“He’s got a multitude of other talents and energy and it’s expected that he wants to pursue other options.”

Engler spokesman Matt Resch said that the time table for finding a replacement has not been made.

Martin has spent more than 22 years in public service positions. He was a trooper for the Michigan State Police for eight years, state representative for the Battle Creek area and Lottery commissioner.

“It’s been a great place to work,” Martin said. “But I couldn’t be more thrilled with my new job.”

Martin will become chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of Realtors after his resignation becomes effective March 4.

“My background is diverse and has run the gamut of things you can do in state government,” Martin said, “so I have some experience in assessing how agencies work.

“I can say, without hesitation, that the professionalism, talent and innovation I saw in MDOC staff members are without equal.”