On Monday this week, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)’s CEO, Michael Bourque, announced he’s leaving the national organization.

In an interview with REM earlier this year, he said “his decision to step down didn’t hinge on a single factor, though he was blunt about the fact that the role is “a very demanding job.”

Bourque served as the CEO of CREA for nearly six years. He has over 30 years of experience in government, public affairs and government relations, including more than 10 years as an association CEO.

“Mr. Bourque announced his early departure on October 23 (a sabbatical before his planned departure at the end of the year),” says Pierre Leduc, spokesperson for CREA.

As for Bourque’s replacement, Leduc explains, “CREA’s board of directors has authorized the appointment of CREA’s current CFO, Debra Cowan, as interim CEO effective October 24.”

Cowan has been with CREA for over 23 years.

Leduc went on to confirm that the board’s hiring committee has been busy with their ongoing search for CREA’s new CEO and hasn’t yet announced a decision.