OTTAWA - Henry Storgaard is stepping down as CEO and director general of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Storgaard had held the positions since 2009. Under his watch the committee grew its annual budget to $9.4 million and went from having a deficit of $1 million to having a $1.3 million reserve fund.

"I have enjoyed being part of a growing organization filled with passionate and inspiring individuals," Storgaard said in a statement. "I personally look forward to new opportunities and challenges within sport, but Paralympic athletes will always have a special place in my heart."

The CPC said it will start looking for a new CEO this month and will aim to have the successful candidate in place by early April. CPC president David Legg will oversee the leadership of operations in the interim.

"Henry has led the organization towards great heights and the Paralympic community is very grateful for it. His leadership, passion and resilience in guiding CPC through the past Paralympic quadrennial has positioned it well for the future," Legg said.

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