Within 10 days, Mazzoni Center saw the resignation of its CEO, board president and medical director and the cancellation of its annual fundraising gala — all while the organization is weeks away from its long-anticipated relocation.
After more than 20 years at the helm of the LGBT-health facility, CEO Nurit Shein submitted her resignation last Sunday at the request of the board of directors. Board President Dr. Jimmy Ruiz stepped down the same day.
Shein has been the target of scrutiny over her handling of allegations that the organization’s former medical director, Dr. Robert Winn, had inappropriate sexual contact with patients. Winn resigned earlier this month, and a third-party investigation into the allegations is ongoing.
“In light of additional information that was brought to their attention, the board of directors felt that asking for and accepting Nurit’s resignation on Sunday, April 23, was the appropriate course of action,” Mazzoni Senior Communications Manager Elisabeth Flynn told PGN this week.
Flynn declined to provide an update on the investigation into the allegations against Winn, which is being led by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, other than to say it is “ongoing.”
Flynn said the board immediately began the process to identify an interim CEO after Shein’s resignation. She said they expect the individual to be someone outside the organization.
“We will determine the interim CEO first before initiating a search for a permanent replacement,” Flynn said. “When the permanent search does begin, the board is committed to engaging with staff and others from the community to help inform the process and the selection, so we are committed to taking whatever time is required to make the best decision for this critically important role.”
After Ruiz’s departure, longtime board member Dr. Tony Rodriguez was selected interim board president. The board also named a new executive committee: Vice President Dr. Mark Blecher, Secretary Christopher Pope and Treasurer Dr. Tony Verdi.
Shein also came under fire by critics who contended Mazzoni had racially bias hiring practices and other questionable policies. Mazzoni and Philadelphia FIGHT were mandated to undergo bias training by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations after complaints against both agencies and other local businesses were addressed during a PCHR hearing last fall.
Several-dozen employees walked out of Mazzoni’s PCHR training last week, calling on Shein to step down amid the Winn allegations.
Protests against Shein and Mazzoni were led in large part by Black & Brown Workers Collective. BBWC member Abdul-Aliy Muhammad announced last Friday that he would decline his HIV medication until Shein resigned; he resumed after Shein’s resignation was announced Monday.
Muhammad did not respond to a request for comment as of presstime.
Flynn did not respond to a request for comment on the role of Muhammad’s action in the decision to ask for Shein’s resignation.
The Office of LGBT Affairs and Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs issued a statement Monday that they “stand with the community, staff and patients of the Mazzoni Center as we call for increased transparency and accountability throughout the investigation of serious allegations of misconduct. We stand in support of these individuals and we offer our assistance in light of the recent transition of leadership.”
The day the resignations were announced, Mazzoni also notified supporters that it was cancelling its annual fundraising gala, Elixir, which was scheduled for May 19. Flynn said the decision to cancel the event was made by organizers shortly before Shein’s resignation.
“It seemed clear that this was not an appropriate time, amidst the challenges, for Mazzoni to host an event of this nature, and while we are incredibly grateful for all the work that our volunteer committee had put into planning it, and the support from sponsors, hosts and ticket buyers as well, it just felt like the right thing to do,” Flynn said.
Last year’s gala netted $135,000, making it the organization’s most successful fundraiser ever. On the potential impact of the gala’s cancellation, Flynn noted that “fortunately, Mazzoni is operating from a position of financial strength.”
Mazzoni staff this week started reaching out to everyone involved in the event “to communicate the reasons for our decision and to determine whether supporters wish for ticket purchases or sponsorships to be refunded or to remain in place as support for the organization,” Flynn said. “The people we’ve spoken with to date have been very understanding and supportive about the decision.”
While the gala was impacted by the leadership development, Flynn said the organization’s move to its new South Philadelphia location will not be.
“The move is on track to proceed as scheduled,” she said.
Mazzoni will be closed May 24-29 to accommodate the move and will open for services at its new headquarters, at Broad and Bainbridge streets, May 30.