MANSFIELD — North End Community Improvement Collaborative interim CEO Anthony Chinni has resigned and the non-profit agency has also reduced its staffing levels.
That’s the crux of a press release issued Wednesday afternoon from NECIC board President Phil Mazzocco, who was appointed acting CEO with full executive authority over the organization founded 19 years ago.
The press release didn’t provide a reason for the departure of Chinni, who was appointed interim CEO six months ago when NECIC founder and CEO Deanna West-Torrence stepped down after moving to California.
“It was unexpected. It was not desired on our end,” Mazzocco said.
Chinni, who had been the NECIC research and development manager under West-Torrence, was the longest-serving staff member at the agency.
A Mansfield native who graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1994, Chinni joined NECIC in 2007 as its first intern, even before the doors were officially open.
When Chinni’s appointment was announced as the interim CEO, the board announced it was forming a transition committee with the goal of having a new permanent CEO in place by July 1, 2025.
The board said it would engage a consultant specializing in non-profit executive searches and capacity building that will also support its development.
Mazzocco said the board hopes to begin conducting interviews for a permanent CEO in mid-April and perhaps have a hiring decision in May.
The press release issued said Chinni resigned on Friday and the NECIC board met on Monday.
“NECIC expresses its sincere gratitude to Anthony Chinni for his many years of dedicated service since 2007,” the release stated.
“His leadership, insight, and commitment have played a significant role in advancing NECIC’s mission, ‘to improve the quality of life and economic landscape of the North End) and impact in the community.'”
Mazzocco said three NECIC positions were eliminated related to staffing, fundraising and community organizing. Hours for some other positions were also reduced, he said.
“We made strategic decisions and we are hoping to preserve as many functions as we can with those duties assigned to other positions,” Mazzocco said.
“None of the reductions had anything to do with performance. It was just a really severe financial crunch and everything came to a head at the same time.”
The board president said no changes were in made in the organization’s hours of operation.
“As part of responsible fiscal management, NECIC has implemented targeted staffing reductions and hour adjustments to align operations with available funding,” the release stated.
“These changes, while difficult, were necessary to ensure long-term organizational sustainability and continued service to the community. Operational responsibilities have have been reassigned among appropriate personnel.”
West-Torrence remains “actively engaged remotely in supporting programs, fund development, and special projects during this transition,” the press release said.
“NECIC remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, equity, and community
empowerment. The organization on will continue to move forward with resilience and purpose as it prepares for the appointment of a permanent CEO.”
