Department of Revenue director Burnie Maybanksaid Thursday he is leaving state government to return to practicing tax law.

Maybank, who will exit the post in the next few months, has carved out a reputation as one of the stars in Gov. Mark Sanford’s Cabinet since taking the position in 2003.

“I’ve got four kids in private school, and in my case, my creditors have had all the fun they can,” Maybank said. “If I had won the lottery, it would take dynamite to get me out of here.”

Many say it will be difficult to find a replacement for Maybank, who’s known as an aggressive but amiable tax enforcer who’s helped bring millions of additional dollars into state coffers.

“He’s definitely one of the best tax minds we’ve got,” said House Ways and Means chairman Dan Cooper, R-Anderson. “Everybody respects him and believes in him.”

Maybank is one of nearly a dozen high-profile figures to leave the Sanford administration since 2003. The governor’s office declined to comment on Maybank’s departure Thursday, but likely will release a statement today.

Maybank turned heads two years ago when he made the unusual pledge to quit his job if he couldn’t dramatically increase tax collections.

Convinced that the state was losing out on millions because of lax enforcement, Maybank promised to increase collections by $90 million if the General Assembly gave him more money to hire revenue agents.

Despite initial skepticism by some state officials, Maybank exceeded expectations and saved state agencies from further cuts. So-called “Maybank Money” is now a part of the lexicon of state budget observers.

“He stuck his neck out and knocked it out of the park,” said John Rainey, chairman of the State Board of Economic Advisors.

Maybank also recently made national news by going after landowners who abuse tax breaks on conservation easements and those who aid in setting up illegal tax shelters.

“The state can ill-afford to lose him,” Rainey said. “The system needs more Burnies.”

While flattered by the kudos, Maybank says the role of a tax man isn’t always an enviable one.

“It’s funny because we get just as much criticism by some people for not enforcing tax laws as we do for being storm troopers,” he said.

Unlike some of Sanford’s Cabinet members, Maybank is no novice to state government.

He served four years as revenue director under Gov. David Beasley. He also served as legal counsel to Gov. Carroll Campbell.

Beasley said Maybank was a valuable asset and played a key role in helping his administration recruit businesses to the state.

“He’s a rare jewel in the rough of state government,” Beasley said. “You could always count on Burnie to know the facts and tell you the truth. He’s got an incredible intellectual capacity.”

Maybank also comes from a rare political pedigree — his grandfather was a governor and U.S. senator and his father was a lieutenant governor and state legislator.

Maybank said he has promised Sanford he won’t leave until a replacement is found.

He also says he could one day return to state government.

“Who knows? But the odds of lightning striking three times are minuscule.”

Reach Stensland at (803) 771-8358 or jstensland@thestate.com