The CEO of the YMCA of Metro Chicago is finally resigning after ripping that not for profit off for the last 8 years. It makes one wonder if the board finally quite drinking Steve Cole koolaid and realized that this alcoholic was a terrible fund raider, irrational gaff master and down right dishonest. The attorney general of Illinois would have a field day with this charity is they really chose to look at it. Loads of mystery accounting and tons of dead bodies along the way that would gladly point the way for the investigation. The current senior management team is there, not for their skill or expertise but because they were either one of Steve neighbors that was out of work and needed a 6 figure job or those that are absolutely willing to go along with whatever he wants, legal or not to continue to earn more than they ever have in the past. If you look at the chairty navigator and see what Cole reports as earning in comparison to what he has actually raised in donations, it is sinful.

Sounds like he did not make a lot of friends while he was there... maybe he should have stuck to the financial industry!

Eric

This Y used to be one of the best in the world. What happened?

Interesting that Steve Cole is reportedly out as the Metro Y is now abandoning its last 4 SRO housing facilities - and in discussion with groups to take over the 1,300 SRO units the Y runs in Chicago. Cole continued the YMCA trend of closing urban housing facilities in favor of fitness centers catering to well-off community residents. The IL A/G office absolutely should audit the Metro Y's books and review employee terminations of whistle-blowers as well.

check out Crains Chicago if you really want to see what people are saying...

Metro YMCA of Chicago currently operates four housing sites in Chicago representing 1,300 rooms though Metro persists in closing viable housing units for marginalized populations.
It's been decided that Austin YMCA will cease housing operatiopns in 2012, with housing operations at Lawson, Irving Park, and Lake View under review now.
This is a tragedy that adversely affects the entire city.