Anita Huberman is leaving Surrey Board of Trade after 31 years of work with the business-boosting organization.
Her time as SBOT president and CEO will end Aug. 30, a week following a "farewell celebration" Aug. 22 at Northview golf course clubhouse, Huberman announced.
"I have informed the Surrey Board of Trade directors and my amazing staff that, after 31 years of dedicated service to the Surrey Board of Trade in a variety of positions, including 18 years as President & CEO, I have decided that the time has come for me to step down and focus on the next chapter of my life," Huberman stated.
"I am excited about the opportunities ahead," she added.
News of Huberman's departure from SBOT was leaked on social media Wednesday (July 3), a day ahead of her planned farewell announcement.
It's not immediately clear where Huberman will work next, but many have speculated a career in politics in her future. She's been critical of BC NDP's moves to bring Surrey Police Service (SPS) to the city, among other issues, in recent years.
"Anything is possible, but right now I don't have any specific plans," Huberman told the Now-Leader in a phone call Wednesday. "That's all I'm going to say," she added with a laugh.
Huberman has enjoyed a very high-profile, award-winning run with SBOT, where she began work as a 19-year-old. In 2007, at age 32, she stepped up to lead the organization.
"She paid her own way through university wanting to excel in her life," according to a backgrounder from the board of trade. "Her life was challenging to the extent that she was a South Asian woman, with different expectations from her parents than what she had for herself. She was fiercely independent and paved her own path to who she is today."
The next boss of SBOT will be decided by a committee to include board members of Surrey Board of Trade and South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce, with a merger on their horizon.
Huberman said Surrey Board of Trade "is near and dear to my heart, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its growth and success, as well as to the prosperity of Surrey, British Columbia and Canada. I have loved my time at the Surrey Board of Trade, and I will miss my role here. It’s hard to think of a greater privilege than to serve my city, province and country all at the same time while leading such an outstanding team."
