The Greater Victoria Harbor Authority (GVHA) has launched a formal search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Board of Directors has retained Boyden Executive Search, a leading search firm, to conduct the process.

GVHA said that to support the organization during the CEO recruitment period, the board has appointed Don Krusel as interim CEO, effective immediately.

Judith Ethier will return to her role as chief administrative officer and executive vice president, commercial, where she will continue to lead strategic priorities, including GVHA’s integrated planning initiative.

“We are very grateful to have Krusel’s depth of experience and leadership at the table during this transition,” said Board Chair Mark Mawhinney. “His understanding of port governance, infrastructure development, and partnership-driven growth will be invaluable as we move forward.”

“I am excited by this opportunity to step in and support the GVHA team during this time of transition,” said Krusel. “I look forward to working alongside the senior leadership team in a more hands-on capacity as the organization advances into its next chapter.”

“I fully support the board’s decision and am confident this transition positions GVHA well,” said Ethier. “Krusel’s experience will strengthen the organization during this critical time, and I look forward to working closely with him to advance our priority initiatives.”

According to the authority, Krusel has served on GVHA’s Board of Directors as treasurer and chair of the Audit and Finance Committee for the past three years.

Krusel will take a leave of absence from the board and return to complete the remainder of his four-year term once a permanent CEO is in place.

Krusel brings more than 35 years of experience in the port and maritime sector, including 25 years as president and CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert, where he led growth and infrastructure development.

The authority said in a press release that the search will begin imminently and will consider both internal and external candidates.