[Nfbf-l] Joyce's Departure & DBS Interim Director

[Johnnie Slaton]

Greetings To All,



In response to comments about the departure of Joyce Hildreth and the 
assignment of Aleisa McKinlay as Interim Director, I am requesting that all 
consider the facts concerning all.

Joyce's departure is  not exclusively  the results of employees complaining 
about lack of compensation and favoritism that Joyce demonstrated. 
Investigations have   documented unlawful procedures regarding contracts, 
hiring practices and unfair treatment to those who declared her 
discrepancies.  The position that  Joyce's departure is chiefly due to 
disgruntle people ignores the facts presented in legal certified 
documentation.



I am amazed how the tenor has been to uphold persons in leadership 
positions, despite demonstration and documentation of practices that are 
unlawful and not in the best interest of the blind community, just because 
the leader is blind or who has shown some favor/service to NFB.



I recall in the case of Rick Brown, who committed unlawful acts and  misused 
the trust placed in him by his clients and NFB; how many ignored the facts 
and even stated that "Rick will always  be looked up to".  The 
acknowledgement of his deeds was seen as a character attack instead of  an 
acknowledgement of  unethical and unlawful behavior. The look should not 
have been "up" or "down"; but the look should have been straight ahead. 
Looking at the facts and not the friendship and removing any from leadership 
positions   who engage in practices that negatively impact the well being of 
the blind of Florida.  My caution is not to be blinded by general  good 
deeds  and incidents of services rendered to NFB, while the  fundamental 
paradigm and practices are unethical and not in the best interest of the 
blind community.



Concerning Aleisa McKinlay, her position is interim.  In a state wide 
December 20  telephone conference to all DBS Employees she stated, "I cannot 
say that it is a pleasure to accept this position, I can say it is a 
privilege.  I have no intentions of supporting a merge of DBS and VR.  DBS 
has unique needs and merging the two agencies is nothing that I support.  I 
am here to serve as interim and welcome your thoughts about how to best 
serve you and the blind of Florida".  Her choice as interim was thought out 
and the best in view of the circumstances.  The choice considered who was 
best ready through experience and demonstration of related   actions that 
could best address the challenges.  As we consider her replacement, securing 
a competent blind person to take her place should be considered and actively 
pursued.  However, blindness should not be a trait that overrides all of the 
qualities that are required for effective leadership.  Remember, blindness 
is just one of our physical attributes.  The important traits for leadership 
include:   adherence to legal guidelines, fair treatment, professional 
insight, and personal commitment should be primary.



There was no haste with being vocal when the facts were presented about 
Joyce.  There should be no haste in  writing to anyone about the Interim DBS 
Director.   There are no facts to state that her appointment is not in the 
best interest of the blind community.  She has not had the opportunity to 
demonstrate leadership.



Please consider that DBS was providing excellent services to constituents 
prior to Joyce's arrival.  Please consider that DBS has  employees who are 
committed to meeting the needs of the blind, without bias and through 
demonstrated services.  DBS is shaken, but not broken. Many who left were 
against the unlawful practices that have been documented.  Those who were 
fired by the  Commissioner received the consequences of misconduct or 
association with others who engaged in unlawful practices.  I celebrate the 
departure and   purging of any in leadership position who do not demonstrate 
practices in the best interest of the blind community.



The voice of NFB has a place of esteem in the blind community.  Before we 
speak, wait for demonstration of leadership and review factual 
documentation.  Time will tell what is best.  We must stay alert and not 
fire until the real target is identified.



Cheers,

Johnnie Slaton