Zachariah steps down
The JFS director had been here less than two full years.
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- John K. Zachariah announced his resignation as director of the Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services at the end of Thursday's meeting of the county commissioners. His departure will be effective March 2.
"The current circumstances cause unwarranted interferences in operations and undue hardship for the director to lead MCDJFS in carrying out its mission of serving the most vulnerable citizens of our county," Zachariah wrote in his letter of resignation.
Zachariah also cited a lack of communication in county government that interferes with his effective job performance, but he did not elaborate in the letter.
"I think there is a lack of openness and transparency in the government, and unnecessary interference by the county administrator, so I think I can't do the job under the present conditions," Zachariah said in an interview after the meeting, declining to be more specific.
Reaction
"I think it's unfortunate because, even in a staff meeting last week, some of the impressions he had, I think were false," said George Tablack, county administrator. "I wish him well. I think he has accomplished quite a few things for Mahoning County, and it's unfortunate that he decided at this time to resign," Tablack said, referring to improved financial reporting systems at JFS.
"That surprised me," said Commissioner David Ludt, adding that contract negotiations with Zachariah were in progress. To date, Zachariah has not had a contract.
"I'm very unhappy that Mr. Zachariah has made the decision to resign. He has improved the performance of our employees in his office and improved the delivery of services to the public," said Commissioner John McNally. "He, in conjunction with his staff, have organized the department to better serve the public now and in the future," McNally added, saying he hopes Zachariah will reconsider his resignation.
No action
Anthony Traficanti, chairman of the commissioners, declined to comment. Commissioners took no action Thursday on Zachariah's resignation.
"My heartfelt appreciation goes to the staff of MCDJFS for their dedication to public service in offering help and hope to the people in need," Zachariah wrote.
Zachariah, who was previously Franklin County JFS director, was hired by the Mahoning County commissioners to replace Delores Crawford, who retired in 2005. Zachariah, who took office here July 5, 2005, supervises a staff of 330 and annual expenditures of about 450 million, including the department's child care, food stamp and Medicaid benefits.
Zachariah's resignation comes as the county commissioners prepare to move JFS from rented quarters at Garland Plaza, 709 N. Garland Ave., to the county-owned Oakhill Renaissance Place, 345 Oak Hill Ave., by June 1.
The county bought Oakhill last summer in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Oakhill is the former Forum Health Southside Medical Center. "We'll work through it the best we can," Tablack said.
In his resignation letter, Zachariah said he has realigned the organizational structure, "improved performance outcomes" and complaint resolution; introduced innovative programs; updated policies, procedures, and technology; and established "a strong client-centered service delivery system and enhanced community partnerships."
milliken@vindy.com