In a letter sent via email, Joan Siefert Rose explains her decision to resign as chief executive officer of the Council for Entrepreneurial Development at the end of this year.

Rose disclosed her decision Tuesday evening at a CED board meeting.

The letter reads as follows:

“Tonight I notified the CED Board of Directors that I intend to step down from my role of President & CEO by the end of 2016. This decision was voluntary but a difficult one. I’m proud of all the things we’ve been able to accomplish at CED over the past eight years, from connecting thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, service providers and community partners to each other through our powerful network, to helping entrepreneurs raise millions of dollars in capital, and jumpstarting the interest and commitment of our community in entrepreneurship after the recession. It has been my honor and absolute pleasure to help build this vibrant CED network, which supports a community of innovative, creative people. Now, I believe it’s time for new leadership to guide CED in its mission of propelling entrepreneurs to their full potential.

“I have not accepted any other position at this time, and plan to take a short pause to consider the next step in my career once I’ve finished my work at CED at the end of the year. In the meantime, nothing will change at CED – the organization is structurally and financially sound and all the programs, events and benefits we provide for the community will continue. The organization also remains committed to the strategy adopted in 2013: to focus on companies that are scaling and growing, attract capital to the most promising companies, and tell the story of the region locally and nationally.

“The Board of Directors will be conducting a nationwide search for CED’s next President & CEO, through an independent recruiting firm. If you would like to read the press release about this announcement you can find it on our website, here.

“Thank you for the kindness, advice and experience you’ve shared with me over these past 8 years, and thank you for your continued support of CED.”

Sincerely,

Joan Siefert Rose