Jack Kitchen out at West Oak Lane’s OARC, new interim president/CEO named

The Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corp. announced Monday that it appointed Kimberly A. Lloyd, chair of the Lincoln University Board of Trustees, as its interim president and CEO.

“Her knowledge of the organization, culture, and people enabled her to transition into her new role effortlessly,” stated a release from OARC which also noted the change was effective as of June 30.

Lloyd, who once served as OARC’s treasurer, replaces Jack Kitchen who, according to state Rep. Dwight Evans, “decided to move on.”

Before the transition

Evans said he did not know Kitchen’s destination, or details of the decision leading to it. However, he thanked Kitchen for his two decades in charge of the development group.

“He did a good job when he was there; we worked closely together,” said Evans. “The new person coming in is excellent, and will do a great job. I look forward to working with her.”

Naja Killebrew, the former OARC marketing manager who sent the release out, told NewsWorks that “Jack is no longer with OARC. I have no way to get in contact with him.”

Kitchen’s LinkedIn profile notes that he is currently president of Shay Real Estate and Consulting, a “full service real estate and consulting company with specialized expertise in economic development” which he founded two months ago.

Attempts to contact Kitchen or find a telephone number for “Shay Real Estate and Consulting” were unsuccessful Monday morning.

The history

In 2013, the state ended a two-year probe into alleged financial irregularities at OARC. The investigation eyed OARC’s use of millions in grant dollars but attributed no wrongdoing to the nonprofit.

That news came after OARC, a community development corporation based in West Oak Lane, agreed to return $1.2 million in public money, withdraw four grant requests and undergo stricter spending controls.

In the aftermath, Evans said the probe boiled down to “political profiling.”

During an interview in late December, Kitchen told NewsWorks that uncertainly surrounding the probe took a toll on OARC.

“We dug a hole for ourselves with unforseen legal and accounting bills, but we’re getting back on track now. These things hung over our head for a long time. It’s not a pretty situation to go through,” he said. “I didn’t know how it all could not end well, since I knew everything that we did and didn’t do.”

His replacement

Lloyd most recently served as asset manager for The Michaels Organization.

More details from the OARC release follow:

Previous to her position at The Michaels Organization, Ms. Lloyd was managing partner of the KAL Group, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in Commercial Real Estate Development and Project Management, Vice President of Commercial Lending at City National Bank, and Vice President and Mortgage banker for GMAC Commercial Mortgage/Capmark Finance. As an award winning production officer, Kimberly originated over $500 million in commercial loans. She began her professional career at the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS) as a management trainee and upon leaving PSFS, she accepted a position with Fannie Mae Corporation as a Business Analyst in the Multifamily Asset Management Group.

Lloyd is an extraordinary leader with extensive knowledge in Finance, Commercial Real Estate Development, Property Management, and Strategic Planning. As OARC’s senior managing officer, her expertise in these fields will be integral in growing OARC’s assets, attaining community buy-in, and establishing a strategic plan for the organization moving forward; all are compelling reasons for her hire.

Ms. Lloyd is active and engaged in the community. In addition to her position as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Lincoln University, she is a member of the Pennsylvania Society, and serves as a Board Member for Neumann Senior Housing. She is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service sorority, and has served in numerous capacities on the National, Regional, and Local levels; most recently she was appointed by the National President to serve as Member of the Long Range Planning Committee. She is a member of The Pennsylvania State Alumni Association, life member of The Lincoln University Alumni Association and has received recognition from the University via the President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions, Legacy Club and President’s Gold Club.

Kimberly has received numerous awards for her service and dedication as a community leader and volunteer. In her new role as Interim President and CEO of OARC, Ms. Lloyd plans to work with the Board and staff to create, communicate, and implement the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction.

NewsWorks will update this story if/when we’re able to get in touch with Jack Kitchen regarding his departure.