Governor Perdue Accepts Resignation of DHR Commissioner Martin

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today accepted the resignation of Commissioner Jim Martin and thanked him for his years of public service.

"Jim has a heart for children and has worked tirelessly on their behalf in the State House and as Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources," Governor Perdue said. "I thank him for his years of public service."

Martin has told the Governor that he looks forward to working with the Board of Human Resources and the next Chairman through a transitional period. Governor Perdue will swear-in seven new members to the DHR Board tomorrow and the board will meet immediately following the swearing-in to elect a new Chairman.

Martin served as a state representative for 18 years and became the Commissioner of DHR on September 24, 2001. Martin also served as a private attorney until his appointment as Commissioner. In the State House, he chaired the House Judiciary Committee for four years, and also chaired the House Ethics Committee and the Human Services Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. Martin also served on the Children and Youth Committee. Martin is an alumnus of Georgia State, having completed his master of business administration (M.B.A.) degree there in 1980. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia.