The head of the group overseeing the Gordie Howe International Bridge has stepped down, according to a federal minister.
Bryce Phillips, the CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), has resigned immediately, as indicated in a statement by federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic Leblanc.
"I have accepted Bryce Phillips’ resignation from the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, effective January 6, 2023," said Leblanc. "I would like to thank Mr. Phillips for his dedication and commitment to WDBA over the past four years, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavours."
No reason was immediately given for Phillips' departure, but WDBA board chairman Tim Murphy confirmed it and congratulated Phillips for his service.
"Bryce is to be credited with many accomplishments that WDBA has achieved since construction started on the Gordie Howe International Bridge in 2018," said Murphy in a statement to WindsorNewsToday.ca. "We thank him for his contributions."
As of Friday afternoon, Phillips' photo and biography no longer appear on the WDBA website.
Phillips is a Windsor native who served as CEO of the bridge authority since the summer of 2018 when he was named to succeed interim CEO Andre Juneau. During Phillips' tenure, the bulk of bridge construction has progressed, with much of the work completed on the bridge towers and construction now in full swing on the road deck. The bridge, named after the legendary Detroit Red Wings hockey player, is slated for completion by the fall of 2024.
There is no word on when a new CEO will be in place. The Ministry declined further comment when contacted by WindsorNewsToday.ca.
