Gene Jones to keep job with Toronto Community Housing
But TCH executive will have to follow a board-approved plan for improvement
The head of Toronto Community Housing will hang onto his job, though he'll be attending classes and working with a coach to improve his performance.
On Thursday, the organization's board issued a news release saying that it had worked with Gene Jones to put together a plan "to strengthen his managerial practices and improve executive performance."
The board had called in outside counsel to probe allegations of "improper conduct" by Jones.
A report was then filed that found Jones "failed to exercise proper management oversight and follow board processes and procedures" in some circumstances.
While Jones will stay with TCH, a number of steps will be taken, including:
- An executive coach will work with Jones "to provide a focus for performance improvement."
- A peer-mentoring program will be developed to provide "senior support and guidance."
- A forthcoming management plan will link half of Jones’s bonus to "organizational excellence related to improvement in managerial style and performance."
- Jones will take part in an executive leadership program at a university.
- Jones will have a "thorough performance review" in six months and he will not be eligible for a bonus for 2013.
Bud Purves, the chair of the board of directors, said in a statement Thursday that Jones was brought to the organization to help restore its credibility.
Purves said that Jones had worked hard to provide better service to residents, though the board decided that "there are areas for improvement in management style and performance."
Jones has not been available to reporters for comment.
Mayor Rob Ford told reporters earlier this week that Jones had his full support and wasn't going anywhere.
He reiterated that view on Thursday.
"I support Gene Jones," he said. "I don't think any of us are perfect and he has done a phenomenal job at Toronto Community Housing."
Using a hockey analogy, Ford said that while Jones was "spending two minutes in the penalty box," that didn't mean he was being "kicked off the team."