Paul Fifield will be the acting CEO of the local Canadian Mental Health Association while John Abbot is on a leave of absence as he makes a bid for the provincial Liberal leadership.
Abbott, a former senior government bureaucrat, has signaled his intention to run, but has yet to formally launch his campaign.
The CMHA-NL says it does not endorse any particular party, but it has granted Abbott a temporary leave to “pursue outside interests.”
Board President Kimberly Yetman Dawson says they support a person’s choice to pursue public service.