The top energy, telephone and transportation regulator in Kansas has resigned. Mark Sievers has chaired the Kansas Corporation Commission since May of 2011.

His four-year term was set to expire on March 15, 2015. He will remain at the helm until a replacement is appointed early next year.

“It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Kansas and this Governor,” Sievers said. “As I told the Governor, my desire now is to return to private life and spend more time with my wife. I look forward to ensuring my replacement has a seamless transition as he or she joins the Commission.”

Sievers’ previous experience includes working for Verizon Global Solutions, GTE, Sprint and Southwestern Bell. He also worked for the Utah Attorney General and California Department of Water Resources.

“I appreciate Mark’s service to me and to Kansas,” said Governor Brownback. “I wish him the best with his well-deserved retirement.”

The three-member Kansas Corporation Commission is responsible for ensuring that natural gas, electricity, telephone and transportation vendors provide safe, adequate and reliable services at reasonable rates.