BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A local non-profit will have some leadership change after this month.

Sustainable Connections’ Executive Director and co-founder Derek Long has announced his resignation, with plans to leave at the end of October.

According to the non-profit, Long co-founded Sustainable Connections in 2002 and held the position of Executive Director for nearly 24 years.

Long saw an expansion of the organization during his tenure, working in a variety of sectors within Whatcom County.

In a message shared on Sustainable Connections’ website, Long cites a need for a better work-life balance and to focus more on family as reasoning for the departure. He added that he wants to give more space for leadership at the organization.

The organization’s board of directors will determine next steps in the coming weeks.