Christmas resigns as Membertou CEO

Bernd Christmas, who oversaw the economic rise of the Membertou First Nation, isstepping down.

Christmas announced Monday he will resign as chief executive officer of the Membertou Development Corporation on Sept. 1, after 11 years on the job.

The band's budget grew from $4.5 million to $75 million, and Christmas said it was differences over that "insane" growth that led to his resignation.

"I know some people in here that have shared that and it's been wild," he said, "and some, I think, may have felt, 'Let's cool it down a bit.'"

The community on theoutskirts of Sydney continues to grow, with new homes and business centres in development.

Membertou Chief Terry Paul choked back tears as he bid farewell to Christmas, andsaid he has no one in mind to take on the CEO job.

Christmas is a member of a number of boards, including the CBC's board of directors.