GARY, Ind. (AP) — The chairman of the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority is stepping down after only four months on the job.

Chairman Tom Collins Sr. announced Friday that he's stepping down because he's finding it difficult to handle his duties as both airport chairman and as CEO of Luke Oil Co.

Gov. Mike Pence appointed Collins to the post last fall when the board was replaced under state reform legislation.

Pence spokeswoman Christy Denault tells The Times of Munster the governor has accepted Collins' resignation. She says Pence plans to have a new chairman appointed by Jan. 26, the effective date of Collins' resignation.

The following day the airport board is scheduled to take the final vote on a 40-year privatization deal with Dulles, Va.-based Aviation Facilities Co. Inc.