The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward announced the departure of its President and CEO, Dr. Tara Riemer, on Friday.

According to a release, Riemer worked with the center for 20 years, 11 of which were served at the helm of the organization.

Board Chair Josie Hickel says in the release that the center will search nationally for “a new leader who will carry forward the Center’s mission into a new phase of growth and development.”

“I leave with many fond memories of my work at the Center,” Dr. Riemer said in the release. “One of the best was my chance to provide hands-on help to rehabilitate a baby beluga whale. For me, that brought our mission to life. To work with our amazing animals and such a passionate staff has been an extremely rewarding experience.”

The release says that Riemer will remain in her position to support the transition.

“Dr. Riemer is leaving the Center in a much better position than when she first started working here,” Hickel said. “Under her leadership, the Center has grown and developed into a world-class organization providing education, research, and programs that have improved our knowledge of Alaska’s unique marine environment.”

For more information about the Alaska SeaLife Center, visit facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.