Pamela Brand and the Directors Guild of Canada have parted ways so that the longtime executive director and CEO can ‘take on new challenges and pursue new goals,’ according to a statement released on Wednesday. Her departure is effective immediately.

A spokesperson says Lesley Lucas, the organization’s national director of membership services, will take over as interim director while the executive board looks for a permanent replacement. Brand is on vacation and was unavailable for comment.

‘Pamela served with dedication and commitment throughout her nearly 20 year career with the Guild,’ said DGC president Alan Goluboff, adding ‘she generously contributed her knowledge and expertise to many initiatives for the benefit of the industry.’

Brand joined the guild in 1988 as the national accountant, and became executive director three years later. A four-member committee comprised of Goluboff, national directors’ division chair Sturla Gunnarsson, Ontario chair Don McCutcheon, and B.C. chair Nicholas Kendall will search for a replacement.