Bruce Wigo, long-time president/CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame will step down effective December 31, 2017.

He has led the organization for 12 years.

In the future, Wigo will act as curator of ISHOF and serve the group as an information resource during the transitional phase of new leadership, officials said in a statement.

“This has been both a difficult and an easy decision,” said Wigo in a statement. “But by stepping aside while I’m still relatively young and healthy, I look forward to spending more time with my children, grandchildren, family and friends.”

ISHOF officials credit Wigo with bringing the organization back to financial stability by helping to raise millions of dollars through gifts, grants, donations and the development of ISHOF branded products. He also collaborated with the City of Santa Clara, Calif., on plans to develop a new multimillion-dollar aquatics center and museum.

The ISHOF Board of Directors is in the process of defining the job description for a new CEO and forming a search committee chaired by board member Bill Kent.