The Peoria Housing Authority Board of Commissioners announced Monday that it has terminated the employment of its chief financial officer following the discovery of financial irregularities in the organization.
The board determined that the seriousness of the matter warranted immediate termination, according to a press release, and has referred the circumstances surrounding the financial discrepancies to the Peoria Police Department.
A police department spokesperson confirmed that an active investigation is underway regarding the former chief financial officer. Because the investigation is open, the department could not provide further details.
The Peoria Housing Authority also said it would not provide additional details at this time because of the investigation. The organization did not include the name of the former chief financial officer in the press release.
Interim CEO named at Peoria Housing Authority
In an unrelated matter, the agency said, the Peoria Housing Authority also announced that Armeca Crawford has resigned from her position of CEO.
The board appointed Damon E. Duncan — a longtime public housing executive, affordable housing developer and consultant — to serve as interim CEO. Duncan has more than 30 years of experience in public housing leadership and affordable housing development.
The board has taken immediate steps to ensure continuity of operations, the agency said. All housing programs, including Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, continue to operate without interruption, and residents and program participants should not expect any disruption in services.
“The Peoria Housing Authority remains focused on serving its residents and maintaining the integrity of its programs during this period of transition,” the agency said in the press release.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria Housing Authority announces investigation and sweeping leadership changes
Reporting by Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
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