The executive director of the Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC), Aaron Todd, announced yesterday in the organization’s newsletter that he has stepped down from that position “to pursue another opportunity.”

Cyndi Pederson, former director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, will serve as the interim executive director until a permanent replacement is hired. Pederson, who also served as chief of staff to former first lady Christie Vilsack, has an education degree from Iowa State University and a certified public manager certificate from Drake University.

Todd, who was hired as executive director in April, said in the newsletter that he has accepted a position on COSC’s board of directors.