By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
The EDC Director / Chamber President of Operations Mickey Fornaro - Dean is telling her side of the story following recent decisions by Chamber, City and County leaders to tighten up rules for spending by the EDC and authorization for a forensic audit.
Fornaro-Dean said it is her attempt to honestly explain where she is emotionally and professionally after the events of the past several months, and why she is increasingly concerned about the sustainability of the current environment.
Fornaro-Dean said, "Over the years, I have tried to do what I believed was best for the organization, its divisions, its investors its partners and the community we serve." She noted that like anyone in a leadership position she has made mistakes but always tried to act in good faith and with the organization's best interests at heart. Fornaro-Dean said what has become increasingly difficult is not the work itself but what has worn her down is the growing sense that when problems arise the response has become adversarial rather than collaborative.
She noted that recent actions approved at a board meeting ranging from board training and a forensic audit to outside legal review may or may not prove beneficial. "What hurts is that at no point did I feel I was approached as a partner in that process."
"Instead, I have increasingly felt isolated from decisions, excluded from discussions, and cast as the explanation for problems rather than recognized as one of the people working to solve them."
Fornaro-Dean pointed to communication as part of the process in economic development. "At no point did I feel that I was approached as a professional partner in resolving concerns."She added that part of what made this situation difficult is the narrative surrounding the organization has become disconnected from her experience leading it. "What hurts is feeling as though years of loyalty and effort have been met not with partnership, but with suspicion."
Fornaro-Dean said, "Together we have helped attract investment, support existing industries, strengthen relaionships with major employers." Over the years the efforts contributed to more than $235 million in investment and hundreds of jobs. She stated at this point she is exhausted from conflict, feeling as though every issue is a battle and from being placed in a position where she must constantly defend her integrity, intentions and commitment.
Fornaro-Dean said that she is not asking for sympathy but for understanding and honest conversations. She is committed to acting professionally and protecting the projects, relationships, opportunities and people who have placed their trust in her. She also acknowledged the people who have continued to stand beside her throughout this process.