JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Housing Authority could be nearing the end of its search for a new CEO. This follows a year marked by controversy and leadership changes.
The JHA board of directors has selected George Guy, the current head of the Fort Wayne, Indiana Housing Authority, as its top choice for the position. The board voted Friday to offer Guy the role. According to the Fort Wayne Housing Authority’s website, the organization manages over 800 housing units and serves thousands of residents. Guy is also the president of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, adding to his credentials.
According to the Florida Times-Union, JHA Board Chair Heather Horovitz praised Guy’s experience, track record, and national reputation,
Contract negotiations with Guy were underway Thursday, according to a JHA spokesperson, and could conclude as early as Friday.
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This decision comes in the wake of significant challenges for the agency. In January, former CEO Dwayne Alexander resigned following a city investigation that revealed mismanagement of nearly $2 million in utility reimbursement funds. The investigation found funds were loaded onto debit cards meant for utilities, but the cards allowed for cash withdrawals, with only a fraction of the money actually being spent on utilities.
JHA’s former CFO was arrested earlier this year and charged with stealing money by using prepaid JHA cards for personal expenses. He later pleaded guilty to petit theft.
The CEO role at JHA is a critical one. The agency manages thousands of apartments for low and moderate-income families and oversees housing voucher programs, which has a large waiting list for housing assistance.