David Brady, CEO of American Red Cross of the Texas Gulf Coast, resigned just six months into his tenure, according to a Houston Chronicle report. The move comes amid rising scrutiny regarding the organization's response in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
While American Red Cross officials did not give any reasons for his departure, the Houston Chronicle reports Mr. Brady wrote on social media: "I found myself in disagreement too often with decisions that were being made as it related to Hurricane Harvey recovery. It is not fair to the organization to have a leader in this role that is filled with that much doubt. And it was not fair to me or my family to work where I am not happy and do not feel valued."
Mr. Brady took charge of the American Red Cross' Texas Gulf Coast region in April. He previously worked at the Houston Zoo, where he served as executive vice president of marketing, communications and strategic implementation and interim CEO.
Hurricane Harvey struck South and Southeast Texas in late August, causing deadly flash and river flooding. The American Red Cross said in October that it authorized payments of more than $190 million to 477,000-plus households. But the organization's work in the area has been plagued with controversy.
The American Red Cross was criticized for delays in delivery of supplies, leaving one Houston area shelter with only 200 cots for more than 2,000 Harvey victims. A program created to give $400 in cash to households in urgent need rejected people who fit the program criteria on the Red Cross' website. Additionally, the nonprofit's IT infrastructure crashed, which forced officials to suspend services temporarily.
During a Houston City Council meeting in September, Councilman Dave Martin told the public the Red Cross was "the most inept, unorganized organization I've ever experienced," according to the Houston Chronicle.
Marty McKellips, current leader of Red Cross' the Central and South Texas regions, will take over as interim CEO of the Texas Gulf Coast region. The Red Cross also said it would continue long-term recovery efforts in the area.