LYNN — The CEO of Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) is taking a three-month leave of absence, according to an email to staff obtained by the Item.
Paul Crowley’s leave began Monday. The email was signed by Crowley and Board President John Baker. The letter acknowledged the short notice of a “temporary change” and assured employees the nonprofit has a plan to guarantee the “stable and full execution of all organizational operations.”
Chief Financial Officer Ken Haltkin and Planning and Development Director Valerie Parker Callahan will lead the management team in Crowley’s absence, the agency said. Holly Jarrell-Marcinelli, director of consumer services, will represent the company at all Aging Services Access Point meetings as appropriate, the email said.
Crowley did not return multiple requests for comment.
In an email to the Item, Callahan said Crowley is unavailable and she requested questions in writing that she and Haltkin would answer.
Joseph Sano, a member of the GLSS Board of Directors, said Crowley does an excellent job and wins praise from the board.
“But the work is very stressful and we agreed he needed the time off,” he said.
The leave for Crowley comes one month after GLSS seniors protested outside the Lynn headquarters, and called on him to come out and speak to them. He declined.
The angry crowd protested in support of Stacey Minchello, the former Lynn Council on Aging director who resigned following a complaint she filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination alleging Crowley harassed one of the seniors.
Sano said 90-day rest has nothing to do with the recent protest. But he declined to say whether the sabbatical was Crowley’s idea or the 14-member panel.
“We don’t discuss personnel matters,” he said.
Earlier this month, Mayor Thomas M. McGee said the city will take over management of the Lynn Senior Center, which would include a move to a new facility.
Last year, Crowley earned $346,742 in total compensation, according to GuideStar, a company that provides tax information on the nation’s nonprofits.
