Red Deer College’s president and CEO Joel Ward plans to retire at the end of 2019.

Ward has held the position since 2009 and has submitted his letter of intent to retire to the school’s board of governors.

During his tenure, RDC has seen new buildings, programs and the start towards becoming a university.

“This is certainly a time of growth and opportunities unlike anything Red Deer College has seen before, and it is possible because of the dedicated team we have here,” Ward said in a statement.

“Through the extensive planning that has been undertaken and the expertise of the people who are leading the way and doing the work each and every day, I’m confident that this institution will continue to change the lives of our students and community members in profound ways. I’m so proud of everything we have already accomplished, and I look forward to leading the college through the coming year and celebrating our achievements with central Alberta.”

The school’s board of governors has hired the executive search firm Leaders International to find Ward’s successor.

“It’s very important for us that this is an inclusive and comprehensive process. In the immediate future, we will seek the input of internal and external stakeholders to help determine what qualities, skills, attributes and characteristics prospective candidates should possess,” said board chair Morris Flewwelling in a press release.

The board’s goal is to have its new president by the 2019-20 school year.