The College of New Caledonia is headhunting for a new boss.

John Bowman, the president and chief executive officer of the college, announced Friday he will be leaving CNC effective July 31 to assume a similar position as president and CEO at North Island College in Courtenay.

He will take over from the current North Island College president Jan Lindsay, who has announced her retirement.

“I have enjoyed my 15 years working at the College in Prince George and Quesnel. CNC is a great institution, employing many outstanding people across the college region with a strong commitment to student success and community service,” said Bowman, in a prepared release.

“I am proud of the progress and achievements that have occurred during the time I have been at CNC. I will always cherish the friendships, learning and professional opportunities that CNC afforded me. I know that the college has much to look forward to in the future and will be in very good hands after I move on."

Now in his sixth year as CNC president, Bowman has been with college since 1998, when he became regional director of the Quesnel campus. He moved to Prince George in 2004 as vice-president of student services. He was also worked at Kwantlen University College in Surrey from 1990-1997.

“Obviously, we are sad to see him go and he will be missed, but it is good for John’s career and future,” said CNC board chair Bob Murray. “John has done excellent work on strategic planning, First Nations initiatives and striking a balance between all of CNC’s campuses.

“We wish John the best and we will be working on a suitable replacement in the near future. It’s important to note that we are in excellent hands with an extremely strong college executive, administration, faculty and staff.”

The CNC board plans to discuss its strategy to fill the job on an interim basis as well as its long-term transition plan at its April 26 board meeting.