Two key leadership positions at the Peoria Housing Authority are changing, amid the discovery of financial irregularities involving the authority’s funds.
The agency’s Board of Commissioners announced Monday that it fired the chief financial officer after learning of the discrepancies, and reported the findings to the Peoria Police Department.
“Based on information currently available, the board determined that the seriousness of the matter warranted immediate termination,” the Peoria Housing Authority said in a news release.
With an active investigation in progress, the PHA says it will not provide additional details at this time. The former CFO was not identified by name.
In its statement, the PHA said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities and “remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of public funds.”
Meanwhile, Armeca Crawford has resigned as PHA's chief executive officer after taking the position in 2022. The board said it was unrelated to the financial issue, though no reason for her decision was provided.
Damon Duncan, an affordable housing developer and public housing executive with more than 30 years of experience, has been appointed the interim CEO, effective immediately.
The PHA says immediate steps have been taken to ensure operational continuity, and maintain the integrity of its programs during the transition.
“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 statement said.
