Reverend Craig Mathews says his contract with SMILE Community Action Agency is legit.

Mathews says the board on May 31, called a special meeting and appointed him. 

“Im certain that a contractual relationship was chosen because at that time the CEO position was still filled.  It was still occupied by the former CEO.  Naturally you can’t fill a position that’s already occupied,” Mathews adds.

Mathews explains that he was appointed by SMILE’s board of directors as their Executive Administrative Consultant temporarily. 

“The reason the board took the action that it did was because it was a drastic situation at the time.  It was declared a state of emergency for the organization,” Mathews states.

Mathews says the majority funding source for SMILE is the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG).  He confirms the CSBG agent and the La Workforce Commission have been consulted.

Mathews adds the recommendation is that the board make a formal decision about converting the temporary consultant spot to a full time permanent one.

Plus, the process to advertiser for the vacant seat or fill it with the person who is there temporarily.

“The board is consulting with it’s legal advisor to ascertain whether or not it would be plausible to simply convert my role from a contractual one to a full time permanent CEO position,” Mathews explains.

Mathews says he advocates for transparency but says he’s bothered by individuals seeking moments of self interest. He notes that his job as Executive Administrative Consultant is to restore the community’s confidence in SMILE and confidence in those who govern it.

“That type of behavior has not benefited the organization at all.  It’s been a historical problem within SMILE Community Action Agency.”

The meeting to discuss the CEO position is scheduled for August 27, which is the regular board meeting.