The voice for Vancouver Island University is changing.
Toni O'Keeffe, the university's executive director of communications and public relations for the past six years, stepped down at the end of December.
Tina McComb, a faculty member who works in the student services department, will take her place on an interim basis until a replacement is found.
O'Keeffe she said she plans to stay in the area and work as a private communications consultant. She's looking forward to spending more time with family and travelling.
She said highlights of her experience at VIU include: leading the rebranding of the university from Malaspina University-College to Vancouver Island University and rebuilding the communications and marketing infrastructure.
"Working for [VIU president Ralph Nilson] has been a wonderful experience," O'Keeffe wrote in an e-mail to the News Bulletin. "He is a visionary leader who is passionate about students and their success. I wish him and the senior management team much success as they carry out the important work they do on behalf of students and our communities."
December 2011 was O'Keeffe's 30th anniversary in the communications and public relations field. She started her career with Human Resources Development Canada in 1981 in Vancouver and held several positions since then, including director of student services and college relations for nine years at College of the Rockies.
Nilson said O'Keeffe's consistent approach, professionalism, commitment to the institution and willingness to take on any task that came her way will be missed.
"She's been such a wonderful contributor to the institution," he said. "She's a very strong, ethical, professional communicator. I'm sad to see her go because I really like working with Toni. This is a decision she made."
Nilson said O'Keeffe's departure is an opportunity to review the communications and public relations department and see if there's anything the institution might want to do differently, but the university plans to advertise for somebody to fill O'Keeffe's former position.