Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware (ICHDE) announced that Gary Pollio will step down as CEO effective October 19.
Pollio will assist management in a smooth transition with ongoing projects and relationships until the October date. Darlene Sample, current CFO of the organization will assume the interim role of CEO, a release stated
“It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the ICHDE Board of Directors announces Gary Pollio’s departure,” said Board Chair Khary DeWitt.
The nonprofit has been facing a controversy over a job training program. Delaware Online reported that participants worked with no pay on projects that benefitted some people tied to the organization. The newspaper website reported. that the Delaware Department of Labor is looking into the actions of the organization.
The release offered a spirited defense of Pollio’s time at the organization.
“For the last 17 years, Gary has played a critical role in the development and success of ICHDE. While we will all miss his inspiring leadership, we wish him the best of luck in his new endeavors. I want to thank Gary personally for his 17 years of dedicated service, which resulted in many significant accomplishments. Despite many challenges, Gary and his team never wavered in their commitment to making affordable housing a reality for low- and middle-income families,” DeWitt stated.
ICHDE has served the Delaware community since 1968. Though there have been changes in its overall mission throughout those 47 years, the agency has remained steadfast to the purpose of empowering low- and moderate-income families through first-time homeownership opportunities and home ownership services, the release stated.
In FY 2017, ICHDE (as reported by NeighborWorks®America):
- Provided 1,769 housing services;
- Managed 323 rental homes;
- Counseled 1,196 first-time, low- and moderate-income homebuyers;
- Provided 48 homeowners with renovated or rehabbed homes;
- Established 202 new homeowners;
- Created and maintained 101 jobs; and
- Invested $36,024,862 in the community through public, private and philanthropic efforts.
Pollio stated: “I am extremely proud and grateful for having had the opportunity to lead and direct this exemplary organization. I have worked with a committed, loyal, and talented staff for whom I have so much respect. We have served our communities with passion and integrity, and our results speak for themselves. Through our team effort, we took an organization on the brink of insolvency in 2001 and transformed it into a top performer – ranked in June 2018 as ‘Exemplary’ by NeighborWorks America.”
