(AP) — The Center for Rural Affairs has named a new director because its longtime leader Chuck Hassebrook is leaving the nonprofit to focus on politics.

The nonprofit said Monday that it is promoting Brian Depew to lead the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons as executive director.

Hassebrook, who has led the center for 17 years and worked there for 36, is running for the Democratic nomination for governor.

The nonprofit’s board president Jim Knopik says he’s confident in Depew partly because he served as interim leader last year while Hassebrook briefly ran for U.S. Senate.

The Center for Rural Affairs is getting ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary this fall. The nonprofit advocates for rural communities.