John Rogers, the former CEO of the law firm Stewart McKelvey, has been named the interim President and CEO of the Halifax Partnership.

Rogers will step into the position until the board of directors finds a full-time replacement for Ron Hanlon, who passed away in May. The Partnership said the search for a permanent CEO will begin soon.

“John is an accomplished and widely respected business leader who is passionate about Halifax, and who is committed to our city’s growth and success,” Matt Hebb, Chair of the Halifax Partnership Board said in a statement. “Under his leadership, the Partnership will continue to build on the growing momentum, confidence and optimism in Halifax, working with our investors and partners to accelerate economic development and growth.”

Rogers brings to the job decades of legal, business and management experience, most recently as the head of Stewart McKelvey, where he oversaw the growth of the firm. The Partnership noted his “solid track record of successfully managing a large business and forging strong relationships with clients and colleagues who view him as entrepreneurial, strategic, trusted and innovative.”

He is also: a director of the Nova Scotia Health Authority; Chair and member of the Board of Governors of Acadia University; Director and former chair of United Way Halifax; and trustee of Legal Leaders for Diversity Trust Fund.

“John is one of our city’s strongest leaders, in business and in the community,” said Mayor Mike Savage in the statement. “He is a team-oriented, collaborative executive who I believe will work exceptionally well with the strong senior management team at the Partnership. The amazing work of Ron Hanlon will continue under John.”