Less than six months after the Prince George Metis Housing Society hired an executive director to replace a long-time chief administrator forced out amid controversy, it is on the hunt for a new chief executive again.
Barb Ward-Burkitt, the chair of the Metis housing society, would reveal little of the decision to replace the latest executive director, citing the confidentiality of personnel matters.
"The board had to make a difficult but necessary decision," said Ward-Burkitt, noting the decision of the seven-person board was unanimous.
Ward-Burkitt said they are actively recruiting now with an aim to fill the position as soon as possible.
Maureen DuDoward, from the Haida Nation, had been hired in July. She had experience as a band manager with the Saik'uz First Nation, west of Prince George. The board, in hiring DuDoward, had also cited her experience overseeing capital projects and working with governments.
DuDoward, who is no longer working at the society, could not be reached for comment.
She was hired just as the housing society, which manages more than 160 housing units in Prince George, was going through a transition.
Last year, the society's long-time housing manager, Ken Browning, resigned, according to B.C. Housing, although some former board members say he was forced out. The five-person board was replaced at the same time; this while B.C. Housing was conducting a review of the society's operations over complaints.
A forensic audit commissioned by B.C. Housing uncovered issues like nepotism, poor tenant selection practices, poor maintenance practices and lack of accountability to the community.
A Citizen investigation also uncovered that two properties owned by another aboriginal society had ended up in the hands of a numbered company held by Browning and his wife. The transaction appeared to violate B.C. Society Act rules.
The Metis housing society was leasing space in one of those buildings, and, eventually, B.C. Housing stepped in to help the housing society purchase the building.
B.C. Housing is the primary funding agency of the housing society. In 2009, B.C. Housing provided $1.74 million of the society's revenue through rental subsidies, according to the society's financial statements
DuDoward was hired as the new board said it would set a different tone for the society, one of openness and transparency.
Among the new executive director's jobs were putting in place policies to ensure that accountability and transparency.
The plan also included prioritizing much-needed renovations, repairs and replacements.
Ward-Burkitt said she did not believe the administration change would delay implementing the changes. "We might have to work a little bid harder, but we can meet time lines."
She said that herself and the board vice-president are working closely with the Metis housing staff to guide and oversee the day-to-day operations.
Ward-Burkitt said that B.C. Housing was aware of the situation, and was providing some support on an ad hoc basis.
