The Metro Vancouver Board of Directors announced Friday evening that it is transitioning its executive leadership, with chief administrative officer and commissioner Jerry Dobrovolny leaving the organization.

In a statement, Metro Vancouver Board Chair Mike Hurley said the decision comes as the regional district prepares for the next municipal election and continues work on governance reform.

“With the upcoming municipal election and ongoing governance reform, the Board believes this is the right time to transition leadership and position the organization for its next chapter and has come to an agreement with Jerry regarding this transition,” Hurley said.

Dobrovolny joined Metro Vancouver in 2019 and led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and its recovery period. During his tenure, Metro Vancouver completed numerous large-scale infrastructure projects across the region.

According to the board, Dobrovolny oversaw approximately 300 concurrent projects while working with municipal, provincial and federal governments on regional priorities.

Heather McNell, Metro Vancouver’s deputy chief administrative officer for policy and planning, has been appointed acting chief administrative officer and commissioner during the leadership transition.

Metro Vancouver has not announced a timeline for naming a permanent replacement.