The Canadian Cancer Society’s Nanaimo unit has a new top man, after Bill McCullough stepped down as president last week.
McCullough, 76, had the organization’s top job for the past seven years, as either unit manager, acting president or president.
His last day as president was Tuesday.
“I’ve just spent too much time behind a desk and in the office,” said McCullough, adding the workload was taking a toll on his health and he’ll spend more time focusing on his fitness and looking after at-home responsibilities.
Despite the fact it’s a volunteer position, McCullough said for four or five months during the spring, he’d spend every day in the office, including Easter weekend this year.
“It literally has taken over my life,” he said.
McCullough describes the change as routine, since the society, which has operated in Nanaimo since 1938, specifically recruited a vice-president about 18 months ago with the transition in mind.
Ted Hopkins worked closely with McCullough through the summer and took the reins Wednesday.
Hopkins said as a prostate cancer survivor whose father died of cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society seemed a natural fit when he was looking to volunteer.
He has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.
The retired air traffic controller, who moved to Nanaimo in 2001, said there won’t be any big changes.
“There are some really good people,” he said. “I’ll try to keep going with what they’ve been doing here.”
Although he stepped down as president, McCullough said he’ll continue to be active as a volunteer.