SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The head of Utah’s Department of Corrections is stepping down after five years in office.

The agency announced Executive Director Rollin Cook’s resignation in a news release Wednesday. Cook says in a statement that he’s leaving the governmental position to explore other types of work and spend more time with his family after working a total of 29 years working for state and county governments.

The governor’s office noted in a press release that he pushed for pay increases and directed policy reforms while in office.

Cook’s tenure also overlapped with efforts to create a new state prison 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Salt Lake City International Airport. The $650 million prison is expected to begin housing inmates in 2021.

Gov. Gary Herbert will appoint a temporary replacement in the coming weeks.

Cook’s departure will be effective May 15.