FAYETTEVILLE -- The Housing Authority board fired its executive director during a late night meeting.
The board met for its regular meeting Thursday. It went into executive session after midnight and unanimously voted to fire Deniece Smiley, according to Board Chairwoman Melissa Terry.
"We would like to thank Ms. Deniece Smiley for her service and dedication, but we are heading in a new direction that requires new leadership," Terry said in a statement.
Smiley previously worked as a legal adviser for Walmart and Washington County senior deputy prosecutor.
The board will conduct a national search for new executive leadership that promotes a progressive and proactive future for the Housing Authority's residents and community, Terry said.
Board member Chris White resigned in July.
Board Chairman Mike Emery resigned in August citing stress and animosity from the public, particularly over the board's decision to sell its property at Willow Heights, 10 S. Willow Ave., and move residents to another property it manages at Morgan Manor, 324 E. 12th Place.
Terry subsequently was appointed to the board and became chairwoman.
NW News on 09/22/2018