Campus Activities Board president John Acardo announced Monday he will resign his position effective Jan. 13, 2006.

Acardo has accepted a position as campaign manager for 43rd district State Representative Ruth Munson, who is up for re-election in fall 2006.

Acardo walked onto CAB in May when he ran unopposed for the president position.

“This was an extremely tough decision to make,” Acardo said. “It’s sad to leave because we’ve started something really good, and to leave mid-year and not finish what we started is very difficult to me.”

Acardo said focusing on weekend activities and the collaboration between CAB and the Convocation Center was his main goal and he would like to see whomever replaces him to do the same.

“I’d like to see my predecessor continue on this process of major concerts with the cooperation of the Convo and continue the weekend programming and to get more people involved in CAB,” Acardo said.

This semester, CAB and the Convo brought Ciara and Twista, B.B. King, 3 Doors Down, Trey Anastasio, 311 and Kanye West to NIU, and they plan on bringing more acts in the spring.

“Hopefully this doesn’t affect us at all just for the partnership we’ve formed over the last semester,” said Kevin Selover, marketing manager of the Convo. “I’m happy for him in one sense, and in another, I wish he was here for another semester. I’m glad to see him do well.”

Acardo also dealt with events concerning Homecoming and various activities around campus.

“John has been a tremendous asset to CAB and we’re very sad to see him departing mid-year but we’re supporting him in his personal endeavours,” said Angela Dreessen, director of Student Involvement and Leadership Development. “He has set a positive tone for CAB and has set it up very well for whoever is taking over for him.”

The search for the new CAB president will begin immediately by the current executives.

Interested students can fill out an application in the CAB office, located in the Campus Life Building, Suite 160. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have experience working with a large programming organization and have a letter of recommendation.

“My goal is to have someone in place next week hopefully, and get them trained and in gear and meeting people,” Acardo said.