Employee Calls for Changes at Providence Housing

Employee Calls for Changes at Providence Housing

Questioning the process of hiring an interim executive director at the Providence Housing Authority (PHA), a longtime employee is calling for Mayor Angel Taveras to request the board of commissions begin the process again.

Frank A. Manfredi, who has been with the PHA for 37 years, was hoping to be named director while Stephen O’Rourke sits on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into sexual harassment and mismanagement claims.

But the board voted last week 6-5 to appoint Sorrel Devine as interim director instead. Board chairman Paul Waldman cast the deciding vote.

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In a letter to Taveras, Manfredi contends that that board was comprised of several commissioners who were not properly sworn into office and challenges whether they had a legal right vote. He also claims the board never requested his resume and neither he nor Devine ever made a formal presentation to board.

“The unprofessional approach to such an important decision is consistent with the attitude responsible for the problems now facing the Authority,” Manfredi wrote. “It is also reflective of a decision that was made in advance of the vote based on a desire by some to select a friend and supporter of the former Executive Director, perhaps as an attempt to provide him relief from some of the allegations leveled against him.”

Manfredi was outraged last week after learning that the board voted in favor Devine, claiming she was part of O’Rourke’s inner circle. He suggested that O’Rourke manipulated the vote despite being on leave.

O’Rourke was placed on leave earlier this month after several accusers came forward claiming they experienced or witnessed harassment in the workplace. Whistleblower employee Elizabeth Herosy filed a 37-page complaint that led the Department of Housing and Development (HUD) to launch an investigation.

Several other employees, including Manfredi, have now come forward to corroborate Herosy’s accusations.

O’Rourke, who has been credited with saving the PHA from filing for receivership and turning it into one of the most successful housing authorities in New England, has said he expects his name to be fully cleared.

Manfredi encouraged Taveras to call for a new vote to take place. He claims the “tension and apprehension” that followed last week’s decision has made it “difficult for staff members to focus on their work.”

“I ask that a new vote be taken after both candidates are given an opportunity to appear before the Board and after the Board members review the candidate credentials and are properly sworn in,” he wrote.