Lavern Squier, president and CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, is leaving his position, the organization’s board of directors announced today.

Dr. James Otten, chair of the chamber’s board of directors, said Squier would conclude his employment with the chamber at “a date to be determined following an appropriate transition period.”

“We have accepted this decision with very mixed emotions,” Otten said. “While we are happy for Lavern and his desire to take on new challenges, his talents will be hard to replace.”

The release did not state that Squier had taken another position elsewhere. In a released statement, Squier said that he felt it was a good time to make a change.

“As my five-year anniversary nears, it gives us all cause to evaluate our program of work and look forward to the opportunities that await us, both me as an individual and the Chamber/community,” Squier said. “This represents an ideal time for an evolutionary step in my career and likewise for the organization.”

The Board of Directors will convene a search committee to identify potential new candidates for the position. No timeline was set.