Effingham County Industrial Development Authority Chairman Martin Wilkins is stepping down from the board.

Wilkins announced his resignation, which will be effective Dec. 31, at Thursday evening’s meeting.

“It has been my pleasure to serve this county, and I am proud of the accomplishments we have made together,” Wilkins wrote in a letter to the rest of the IDA members.

But he said he would no longer be able to devote the amount of time necessary to be a viable member of the board.

Wilkins was appointed to the board in April 2003 and named vice-chairman and was elected chairman in July 2005.

“Chairman Wilkins has been an extremely important asset to the IDA board,” IDA Chief Executive Officer John Henry said. “His insight, rationale and business savvy will certainly be missed. We will continue to thank him for years to come for his contributions in helping to recruit new industries to Effingham County.”

Wilkins also commended the board members on the IDA’s recent projects, including the purchase of the tracts along I-16 and the collaboration with DP Partners to develop those two tracts, the landing of Portuguese manufacturer EFACEC and the plans for the Research Forest Tract.

“I appreciate the fact that you are willing to serve as public servants and I trust that each of you will work to preserve our vision of a prosperous community,” Wilkins wrote.

At its meeting Thursday, the IDA discussed when it should elect officers for the coming year, prior to Wilkins’ resignation.

Wilkins is a 1983 graduate of Georgia Southern with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems. A former stockbroker, he is the headmaster of Covenant Christian Academy in Springfield.

“I have always admired his intellectual honesty and willingness to do what he thought was right for the citizens of Effingham County,” Henry said of Wilkins. “He took his role on the board very seriously and generously committed his time and dedication to his position.”