>TURMOIL AT THE TOP

Kathy Milsom is the fourth CEO to be ousted from the city’s public housing corporation in a decade. Here is a short history of the changing leadership.

Keiko Nakamura:

Nakamura was ousted under former mayor Rob Ford in 2011, formally removed by then interim managing director of TCH, Case Ootes — a former councillor. Her departure followed two damning auditor general reports about lavish spending on employees and which also outlined how contracts may have been awarded without proper bidding processes.

Gene Jones:

Jones was hired out of his role as head of Detroit’s housing commission to replace Nakamura in 2012. Two years later, he resigned after an ombudsman report found he and other senior managers skirted hiring and conflict of interest rules and that they treated the housing corporation as though “it was their own personal fiefdom.”

Greg Spearn:

Spearn replaced Jones on an interim basis in 2014. Previously the corporation’s chief development officer, he was often outspoken on pressing budget matters — including the imminent closure of thousands of housing units for lack of repairs funding. A search for a permanent replacement began in September 2016. In April 2017, Spearn stepped down after it was clear the board was looking elsewhere for a permanent replacement.