The executive director of the Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association (ARJAA) has resigned, and the organization has elected Joanne Field to take over the position.
Tony de Waal officially resigned on Tuesday in order pursue a new businesss venture, "de Waal Contracting."
Board chairman Des McKay thanked de Waal for his "significant contributions" to the organization over the years.
"Many of us can attest first-hand to Tony's belief in, and advocacy for, ARJAA over the past decade; first, as one of the original ARJAA board members and, secondly, in his role as the executive director over the past couple of years as he so aptly and passionately championed our cause," McKay said.
Field, a former Abbotsford school board trustee, was one of the ARJAA founding board members more than 10 years ago.
"We are confident that Joanne will provide ARJAA with continued dedication and community-minded leadership," McKay said.
ARJAA provides support to both victims and offenders of crimes, allowing an incident to be resolved directly between the affected parties without going to court.
The organization also works with the school district, providing training in conflict resolution for staff, students and their families.
It also helps school implement Restorative Action – a program designed to address bullying and other forms of conflict.