Thursday, May 24, 2012
IHS hires former state homeless coordinator Alexander
POSTED: 12:00 p.m. HST, Feb 10, 2012
LAST UPDATED: 12:17 p.m. HST, Feb 10, 2012
Marc Alexander, who resigned last month as state coordinator for homelessness initiatives, has been hired as director of development for the Institute for Human Services, the Iwilei-based homeless service provider announced today.
"We're very excited to have Marc on board with us in this new role. He brings a wealth of knowledge about the non-profit sector and will be a real asset to IHS," IHS Executive Director Connie Mitchell said in a news release.
Alexander said, "IHS is a top-notch agency who follows best practices in helping both the homeless and those who are at-risk. I had the opportunity to work closely with them during my time with the State and was impressed with their outcome reporting and service delivery. I'm very happy to be joining their team."
Alexander had been the point man for Gov. Neil Abercrombie's ambitious plan to end homelessness in 10 years.
The governor's office announced Jan. 5 that Alexander was resigning the following day "to attend to personal matters." The state later acknowledged receiving an allegation that Alexander had had a sexual relationship with a woman while he was a priest.
Alexander left a long career in the priesthood and resigned as vicar general of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu before being appointed to the newly created job of homeless coordinator on Jan. 20, 2011.
Former homeless chief takes post at IHS
Homeless chief quits as allegation surfaces
Governor's homeless programs coordinator resigns
I am all for redemption and forgiveness. But I having difficulty believing Marc Alexander had to give up his state job for the reasons which have surfaced. WHile the affair might explain his resignation from the ministry, surely a consensual sexual relationship with an adult woman is not grounds for termination from the Abercrombie administration. As they say, "Does not compute."
Why would IHS rush to hire Alexander with such a dark cloud hanging over his head? How can this NOT be a distraction from his job performance? Who will have dealings with him without being influenced by the nagging questions? What could upset the Abercrombie administration so much that they fired him, but not faze IHS? Because the matter is SO unresolved, rumors have arisen which continue to tarnish his reputation.
I am left with the impression the power elite of the Church, the State and the major non-profits are determined to take care of one of their loyal servants, regardless of how much distaste this leaves with observers. This matter will only go away by Marc dealing with it directly, honestly and with contrition. Until that happens, he is tainted, as are the organizations who employ him.
