Here's the release:
PHA Executive Director to take leave
Long-time agency leader says physical and mental stress has caused him to neglect his personal business
(PHILADELPHA, August 18 2010)—Philadelphia Housing Authority Executive Director Carl Greene announced today that he would be taking several weeks leave to get his personal affairs in order.
His decision comes following disclosure that he had fallen five months behind on his home mortgage payments and faced foreclosure proceedings.
He has now paid his mortgage through October and has hired an accountant to review all his personal finances to make sure everything is in order.
"My lack of attention to my personal financial dealings is a failure on my part. I want to assure the citizens of Philadelphia as well as the employees and residents of PHA that the problems I have created for myself personally have not affected my stewardship of the housing authority. We continue to be a dynamic organization and a leader in the development and management of affordable housing," said Greene.
Greene concedes the stresses of a job that demands his attention seven days a week have left him mentally and physically exhausted.
"I plan to do something I have not done in my 13 years in Philadelphia -- take an extended vacation, get recharged and come back better and stronger," he said.
"I also am aware that many questions have been raised about specific PHA-related issues. My staff has been and will continue to be fully cooperative with supplying requested information to the media. PHA maintains the most professional operating standards and stands by its record of accomplishment."
"I sincerely apologize for being unavailable as I sort out my personal business. I have three very capable assistant executive directors who will manage day-to-day operations during my absence," Greene said.