The University of North Carolina Wilmington will soon search for a new leader for its Swain Center, officials with the university said.

The search comes following the departure of Richard Walsh, former director of UNCW's Swain Center for Executive Education and Economic Development.

Walsh joined UNCW's Swain Center in April 2019, following a national search. At the Swain Center, he managed the center's growth and program resources.

Walsh resigned from the director position on May 4, said Robert Burrus, dean of UNCW's Cameron School of Business, in an email.

Nivine Richie, associate dean for Graduate and International Programs and professor of finance, is serving as interim director, university officials said. She has been a part of UNCW faculty since 2007.

The Swain Center "offers executive and professional education programs in business while serving as a source of economic and business services for the state," according to the university.

"A national search will be conducted for a new director," Burrus said.