WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Barry Grissom says he will step down as U.S. attorney for Kansas effective Friday.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Monday said in a news release that Grissom helped make Kansas and the entire United States a safer and more just place. She lauded his work building new relations with state and local law enforcement.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Beall will serve as acting U.S. attorney. He also served as a member of the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and served on Justice Department subcommittees focusing on civil rights and other issues.

Grissom was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2010.

Grissom made civil rights enforcement and community outreach one of his top priorities during his tenure.

He plans to return to private law practice.