After eight years as president and CEO of Economic Development Regina (EDR) and Tourism Regina, John Lee has announced that the time is now to pursue other opportunities.

Under his leadership EDR has established significant momentum for Regina’s economy, and was a key component in the development of Regina’s 10-year Economic Growth Plan.

Lee says he feels confident the organization will continue to do great things after he is gone.

“I feel very good about (our organization) in terms of being set up for the future,” Lee said. “We’ve got an incredible group of staff, a board that’s fully committed to growing Regina, and a number of partnerships and stakeholders to take us forward.”

Lee says there’s still great momentum in Regina’s business community, despite COVID-19.

“In the last six months, we’ve had announcements in the multiple billion dollar side of things, so there’s incredible momentum,” Lee said. “Are there going to continue to be some challenges particularly in the short term? Absolutely, but I think this is a community that is rallying behind that.”

Lee will remain in his role until his successor is named.

A formal search committee has been created, with the hope to have a new CEO late this year or early in 2022.

Lee did not formally announce his next steps after his time with EDR and Tourism Regina.

{With files from Drew Postey}