His superior, Utah Department of Commerce Director Francine Giani, would not say whether Bell was asked to resign or left on his own.

"Dexter is a great guy and he served the state well," she said, referring additional questions to Bell.

Contacted at his home, Bell said he left on his own accord.

"It's time. I have been there 4 1/2 years," said Bell. "I've had a good run and I felt it was time to move on."

Bell's resignation is effective Sept. 2, Giani said. The Division of Real Estate Web site lists Jason Perry, deputy commerce director, as acting division director.

Utah Rep. Paul Ray, R-Clinton, who worked with Bell on efforts to curb mortgage fraud, expressed disappointment about Bell's departure.

"He cleaned up the appraisal and mortgage industry," Ray said. "He has been an outstanding advocate for fighting fraud."

Bell focused on the oversight, education and testing of appraisers and mortgage lenders. Those efforts led to a series of legislative changes that helped reduce the number of licensed appraisers from 2,400 in 2001 to about 1,100 today and left the state with 7,000 licensed loan offices, down from 11,000.

"The mortgage industry is better off because of the job he did," said Utah Mortgage Lenders Association director John B. Norman Jr.

Former state Commerce Department Director Russell Skousen, who resigned last month and was replaced with Giani, said Bell's departure is a "continuation of the transition process" in which Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s administration continues to put its brand on state government.

"Everyone who has an appointed position knows they serve at the pleasure of the governor," he said.

lesley@sltrib.com