TCHC CEO Keiko Nakamura fired

Toronto Community Housing Corporation CEO Keiko Nakamura has been fired by TCHC’s Managing Director, Case Ootes.

Nakamura’s departure is effective March 25, 2011.

“I have concluded that because of recent events, Ms. Nakamura continuing as CEO would be a substantial distraction for the corporation in its efforts to provide affordable housing to low and moderate income residents,” Ootes said.

The TCHC has been in the media spotlight ever since Toronto’s auditor general, Jeff Griffiths, outlined thousands of dollars of inappropriate spending.

According to a report released on February 28, staff enjoyed elaborate Christmas parties, manicures, pedicures and fancy chocolates on the taxpayers’ dime.  Griffiths described a culture at TCHC where spending policies are in place, but not followed.

Seven TCHC board members stepped down following the controversy, but Raymond Cho and Maria Augimeri clung to their positions until Council voted 25-18 on March 9th to dissolve the board. 

Following that vote, Ootes, the former leader of Ford’s transition team, was appointed to temporarily take control of the corporation.

In the meantime, Nakamura refused to step down.   But with Ootes in power, it seemed only a matter of time until her termination came to fruition.

Mayor Ford took the news in stride on Thursday.

“I have been advised the Toronto Community Housing Corporation has put out a statement regarding Ms. Nakamura,” Ford said in a statement. 

“We must move forward and keep our focus on the tenants and taxpayers.”

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