Effective immediately, Christopher Carpenter has stepped down as CEO of Sunflower Humphreys Counties Progress, Inc.
Carpenter reportedly tendered his resignation on September 25. Financials director Monica Hope is taking over the helm until further notice.
In a statement released October 2, Wardell Walton, chairman of the board, stated, “Sunflower Humphreys Counties Progress, Inc., Board of Directors have made an executive change within the agency. Appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, Monica Hope, will lead the agency into a new era.”
In response to future plans the document states, “Ms. Hope’s vision for the agency is to seek new grants on both the federal and state level; expand our transportation services through additional brokerage; partnership with MS Department of Transportation Public Transit Division; increase our UDSA revenue through increasing the Summer Feeding/CACFP and the addition of At Risk Afterschool Programs. These new ventures will create more job opportunities within the agency and community development.”
It further states that Hope’s ultimate goal is to provide comprehensive services to empower individuals to achieve economic stability and develop partnerships to strengthen the communities they serve while leaning on the board for continued support and guidance.
Hope who has been with SHCPI since 2004, said Beverly Turner, human resource director, will be assuming her previous duties.
Carpenter’s resignation came on the heels of the September 24 board of directors meeting, however no explanation has been given for his leaving. His elevation to chief officer of the organization was made public in July of 2016 when then CEO Louise Lloyd told the county board of supervisors that she would be leaving the organization.
