SHA CEO placed on administrative leave by Board of Commissioners; interim CEO put in place

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Sylacauga Housing Authority CEO Michael Threatt has been placed on administrative leave by SHA Board of Commissioners.

Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Pat Lozito stated he believes the action is necessary due to Threatt and staff failing to comply with requests of the board to see the SHA budget and financial statements.

At the board’s previous meeting Threatt said he would provide the requested material to the board. Today, Lozito said he has not received any compliance from Threatt. Threatt is on FMLA leave, but has also been present on SHA since he went on FMLA leave.

“I would like to inform the commissioners that on a number of occasions I have requested information regarding the housing authority’s financial record that we have not received,” Lozito said.

The terms of Threatt’s administrative leave are as follows:

• Leave shall not affect any and all pay or benefits
• Leave shall continue pending a review of SHA’s operations and any further actions by the Board of Commissioners
• Leave shall conclude only by a future board vote
• Devices, keys, phones, electric entry FOBs and documents that Threatt has possession of shall be delivered to Interim CEO
• During this leave period Threatt shall not access any SHA offices, properties or networks

Sam Royster was unanimously voted in as interim CEO, Executive Director and Secretary-Treasurer. Royster has a criminal justice degree from Faulkner University and a masters degree in Public Administration from Troy University Montgomery. Royster was on staff at the Alexander City Housing Authority and directed the Goodwater Housing Authority after it was taken over by ACHA. Royster has over 20 years of experience.

Royster was also approved as the primary signatory for the SHA while Threatt’s name was removed as a signatory for the SHA.