George Guy Withdraws from Jacksonville Housing Authority CEO Search

News Summary

George Guy has withdrawn his application for the president and CEO position at the Jacksonville Housing Authority, citing unusual contract negotiations. His demands included a $310,000 salary, flexibility for consulting services, and a relocation credit card, leading to disbelief among board members. With Guy out of the running, the board is considering Cheron Corbett Waller, the current president and CEO of the DuPage and Kendall County Housing Authorities, to restore stability amid leadership challenges.

George Guy Bows Out as Jacksonville Housing Authority’s CEO Candidate: What Happened?

Jacksonville, it seems, is back in the news again! George Guy, who was viewed as the top contender for the President and CEO spot at the Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA), has decided to step back and withdraw his application for the position. This shocking decision came in light of some rather unusual contract negotiations that had the board members scratching their heads.

The Reasons for Withdrawal

Guy announced his withdrawal via an email sent directly to the JHA Board of Directors. While he expressed his appreciation for the opportunity, it became clear that the discussions surrounding his employment terms were headed for a dead end. What were his demands that prompted this swift exit? Well, they were nothing short of startling!

For starters, Guy requested a hefty $310,000 as his base salary, which in itself raised some eyebrows. But that was only the beginning. He wanted the flexibility to provide consulting services during evenings, weekends, or even while on vacation! This was certainly not the norm for a CEO position. Moreover, he was hesitant about relocating to Jacksonville within the initially suggested six-month timeframe.

Even More Demands

Adding to the unusually long list of requests was a $25,000 credit card dedicated solely to covering his relocation expenses. But that’s not all; Guy also proposed some rather controversial contract terms. For instance, he wanted a $300,000 buyout if he were terminated during the first year, and a lesser amount of $200,000 if it were to happen afterward. To top it all off, he insisted that terms such as “disgraceful conduct” and “insubordination” should not be grounds for dismissal. Talk about a bold move!

Board’s Reaction

The reaction from the JHA board members was nothing short of disbelief. Many described his demands as “shocking” and some indicated that they felt his terms were “pretty out of line,” which raises questions about his intent from the start. It seems that they interpreted his demands as indicative of bad faith, leaving them no choice but to consider other candidates.

What’s Next for the Jacksonville Housing Authority?

With Guy pulling out, the board is now turning its attention to another strong candidate, Cheron Corbett Waller. Currently, Waller serves as the president and CEO of the DuPage and Kendall County Housing Authorities in Illinois. Her experience could be what the JHA needs amidst ongoing leadership challenges.

Speaking of challenges, the Jacksonville Housing Authority has certainly had its fair share of *leadership turbulence*. There have been significant upsets, including the resignations of two previous CEOs. Dwayne Alexander, the former CEO, left back in January, claiming he was effectively pushed out, while his successor, Vanessa Dunn, also resigned before her contract was up in August.

Stability on the Horizon?

Meanwhile, the current interim President and CEO, Roslyn Mixon-Phillips, is being considered for an extension of her contract. The board appears serious about finding a stable and effective leader for this important organization. They understand that regaining community trust is crucial, especially after such a bumpy ride in leadership.

As Jacksonville continues to navigate the tricky waters of leadership changes at the Housing Authority, residents will be watching closely. What happens next could significantly impact the future of housing in this vibrant city. Will Waller step into the role with the clarity and commitment needed? Or will the search for a solid leader drag on? Only time will tell!