The Vancouver Pride Society announced today (March 16) that there have been a number of changes to their board of directors that have taken place.

Board of directors co-chair Alan Jernigan has stepped down from his position, in order to devote himself to launching his virtual reality company. However, he will remain on the board of director as a director-at-large. He will also continue to chair the human resources committee.

Jernigan has been a part of the organization for the past five years in various capacities, including as a volunteer, director-at-large, treasurer, and co-chair.

Former Vancouver Pride grand marshal Michelle Fortin will take over Jernigan's position. Fortin was the chair of the Vancouver Dyke March for five years and a member of the City of Vancouver's LGBTTQ advisory committee.

Meanwhile, two directors-at-large, Bruce Antecole and Rhawnie Vallins, have resigned for personal reasons.

Catherine Jenkins has been appointed to one of the board seats. Jenkins previously helped with the Vancouver Pride Society Parade Working Group and volunteers with the PFLAG Vancouver organizing committee.

The other board seat remains open. Applications can be sent to the Vancouver Pride Society by email.

Over the past year, the VPS had been addressing a number of employee issues.

Executive director Ray Lam resigned in November 2015, after controversies arose about the handling of the Trans Equality Now pledge and the departure of some VPS members.

In March 2016, Andrea Arnot and Kieran Burgess were announced as the VPS' new events director and managing director, respectively.

Since the 2016 Pride parade, the VPS has also been addressing issues raised by Black Lives Matter Vancouver, who have requested changes to how the Vancouver Police Department participates in the parade.

The request has faced backlash from others who oppose the removal of the police, including a counter-petition that was launched in February. However, the VPS is seeking to find a solution to balance BLM Vancouver's concerns while finding a way for the police to remain in the parade.