The ByWard Market District Authority has a new acting executive director

The board of the ByWard Market District Authority has appointed a new interim executive director, filling the vacancy left when the last executive director was let go after only seven months in the role .

Mayan Gilly, the organization’s people and executive operations manager, will be temporarily filling the vacant position. Gilly comes from an HR background with more than 15 years of experience in HR and Talent Acquisition.

In an email, she declined an interview request with the Ottawa Citizen .

The Ottawa Citizen’s best journalism, delivered directly to your inbox by 7 p.m. on weekdays.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

“As the organization continues to navigate this leadership transition, my immediate focus, alongside the rest of the team, is on ensuring continuity and supporting our day-to-day priorities,” Gilly wrote.

“At this time, we won’t be participating in an interview or providing additional comment beyond the Board’s public statement.”

Gilly’s appointment in the acting role was communicated in a notice to ByWard Market businesses and residents on Aug. 18, four days after their announcement that former executive director Victoria Williston’s employment had been terminated.

In the notice, the BMDA reassures businesses and residents that a change in leadership does not change the authority’s “mandate or its commitment to the businesses, vendors, residents, visitors and partners.”

“During this period, the Board and staff will continue working closely to ensure a smooth transition,” the BMDA wrote in a notice to businesses and residents. “Our team remains fully engaged in delivering the programs, services and initiatives that support the ByWard Market District and all day-to-day operations will continue as usual throughout this transition.”

Meanwhile, the board is searching for a permanent candidate to fill the leadership role.