The local chapter of Habitat for Humanity appears to be without an executive director as its board investigates allegations of employee harassment and mismanagement.

Board President Pete Palmer would not confirm whether John Atherton, who was serving as director as recently as June, has been terminated. But Mr. Atherton’s name is no longer listed on the organization’s staff directory at www.habichatt.org.

“We take allegations very seriously, and our board is investigating,” Mr. Palmer said. “I can’t discuss it any further because all of these matters are proprietary and confidential.”

He declined to answer questions about the nature of the accusations or when they first came to light.

In a letter dated Aug. 5, Habitat for Humanity International directed Mr. Palmer to take action, outlining several problems reported by employees.

Mr. Atherton, who according to newspaper archives came on board as director in February 2007, could not be reached for comment Friday. His number is unlisted, and the only residence listed for a John Atherton in the Chattanooga City Directory appears to have been boarded up and vacated.

Habitat for Humanity International also would not comment on specifics of Mr. Atherton’s situation. But in an e-mail last week, Atlanta-based spokesman Duane Bates said the organization “is satisfied at this time with Habitat for Humanity of Chattanooga’s response to our request for follow-up on the matter.”

Mr. Bates said the matter will be handled locally, per standard procedure. It should be resolved in a timely manner, he said.

Comments