LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s executive director left her 16-year post Monday. “The Board of the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank has determined that it is time for new leadership at the organization,” said KIFB board director Tom Lodico in
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank’s executive director left her 16-year post Monday.
“The Board of the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank has determined that it is time for new leadership at the organization,” said KIFB board director Tom Lodico in an email Monday.
Judy Lenthall has been on paid administrative leave since September, when the KIFB board announced it was commissioning an independent investigation into KIFB’s operating procedures, including day-to-day accounting and grant administration.
The investigation followed Hawai‘i Food Bank President Dick Grimm’s claims that Lenthall had mismanaged KIFB. Lenthall has vehemently denied such claims.
“The Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank remains committed to fulfill our mission to feed the people of Kaua‘i with new leadership,” KIFB Board President John Yamane said in a written statement. “We thank Judy for her 16 years of service to our community.”
Lodico said a search for a new executive director has started. In the meantime, newly hired Assistant Director Norma Barton will serve as acting executive director, assisted by Kelvin Moniz, the director of food resources.
“As the holiday season approaches, the needs of our community increases” Yamane said. “Norma and Kelvin are ready to meet these needs with all of our help.”
The Garden Island visited Lenthall at her home on Monday to ask her what transpired with the board.
“I can’t make a comment, at all,” she said.
When ask if she signed confidentiality agreement, she reiterated, “I can’t make a comment at all.”
When asked about the pending investigation, Lenthall said, “What pending investigation? It’s all pau. It’s all over. The fat lady sang.”
Lodico said the investigation is ongoing and should be completed by the end of the year.
Lenthall said the board’s decision to bring in new director did not surprise her.
She said she believes that Grimm launched “a coordinated, strategic, planned attack” against her and KIFB three years ago.
“Dick Grimm is not going to stop his vindictiveness, mark my words. It’s not going to stop,” she said.
“I wish (KIFB) well. I hope they not only survive but thrive because it’s been a concerted attack on not just me but our organization and what seems to be Kaua‘i from day one.”
She said she would still donate to KIFB, and that before she left the donations just plummeted.
“If they ever needed community support, they do now,” she said. “It’s an outstanding organization with killer volunteers, an excellent staff and a well-meaning and committed board of directors.”
Lodico said the findings of the investigation will not be made public.
“At the advice of our attorneys and our policy, matters of personnel are confidential,” he said.