TORONTO - After four years as president/CEO of Credit Union Central of Canada, Joanne De Laurentiis will resign on Dec. 31. Michael Tarr, chairperson of the CU's board of directors, said on Nov. 28 that the board has accepted the resignation of De Laurentiis, who has been at the helm since November 2001. Credit Union Central of Canada represents 534 credit unions and affiliated caisses populaires with combined assets of $82 billion, 4.8 million members and 22,000 employees. De Laurentiis will take on a new role on Jan. 16, 2006 when she becomes the president/CEO of the Investment Funds Institute of Canada. The mutual fund trade association represents nearly 2,000 large and small financial service companies. "I wish Joanne well in her new endeavour," Tarr said. "She led Canadian Central during a time of growth and change in the industry and ensured that Central provides important services across the country." Tarr announced that David Phillips has been appointed interim president and CEO. Phillips had been vice-president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Canadian Central. "I am confident that David can lead our strong management team along the course that we have set for the next year," Tarr said.