First America Foundation chair steps down
By JENNIFER EDWARDS
Created 06/04/2011 - 12:01am
Wallis says board and he disagreed on staff hires
Summary:
The First America Foundation on Friday evening accepted the resignation of Don Wallis as board chairman, a sign that the foundation has a different vision than Wallis has.
The First America Foundation on Friday evening accepted the resignation of Don Wallis as board chairman, a sign that the foundation has a different vision than Wallis has.
Wallis, who will remain on the board, said he resigned the chairmanship because he wanted the foundation to hire an executive director and a fundraiser, but the group didn't want to go in that direction.
Without the staff, he said, the directorship would become "a second job."
"It's pure lifestyle," he said. "The sheer demands on my time. Without the staff, it's untenable."
Wallis, an attorney, declined to say what direction the group would take.
Vice Chair Christine Chapman said the Foundation board is "still very excited, very motivated to be part of the 450th."
She added that "Our first order of business is to generate revenue" and that "We will get someone to do that."
Chapman said she will not be a candidate to replace Wallis as the board chair, and that she knows of at least one member of the board and perhaps more who are interested in serving in that role.
The City of St. Augustine formed the organization last summer with a $275,000 contribution. The Foundation's mission is to organize and raise funds for four major events -- the 200th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution in 2012; the 500th anniversary of the founding of Florida in 2013; the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act in 2014; and the 450th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine in 2015.
Wallis emphasized that the First America Foundation's Board of Directors is united in its goal of having successful events in the next four years, and that the only difference was in tactics -- how to accomplish the goals. He said there would be an announcement of new personnel soon but "not in a figuration that met my standards."
Wallis' resignation was the third major change at the top of the organization, which has faced steep criticism for what some in city government and others in the public for its secrecy and failure to raise funds other than what the city has given it. One city commissioner, Bill Leary, earlier this week called for Wallis' resignation.
Former Interim Director Jamie Alvarez stepped down into a supporting role in May, and Wallis said Friday that Board Secretary Leslee Keys had resigned her position on the board. Alvarez remains as the Foundation's sole employee.
jennifer.edwards@staugustine.com
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stjohnstarheel
Wallis in charge of another fiasco.....
By stjohnstarheel | 06/04/11 - 03:19 am
Not a great history of local leadership by Mr. Wallis. Economic times were a factor, but he captained the ship known as the local Chamber of Commerce right into the sand bar while at the helm too. And helped ruin the lives of some good folks in the process....
As important as the 450th event AND the other events leading up to it can be in terms of economic impact for the City/County, City leaders were very quick to hand over the keys to this endeavor. Anyone looking at this from an outsider's point of view must continue to chuckle at our spotty leadership and administration over the last few years (5, 10, 15, ..... years????).
Wonder what other non-profits who actually have a history of success in this town could have done with a blank check for $275K?
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martinpryor
A sinking ship!
By martinpryor | 06/04/11 - 08:30 am
It looks like the rats are jumping overboard. This project was doomed from the beginning. St. Augustine should continue doing what it does best,.........tacky tourism.
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