UPDATE: We’ve received word that Mark Hendricks has been put on administrative leave and will be fired for insubordination. According to The Stranger’s Slog and former employee Noelle Olmstead, the reason is for refusing to be transferred to the Federal Way club. “Yesterday, he was put on administrative leave and was told he would be terminated within 24 hours,” Olmstead told us this afternoon. Multiple calls to CEO Calvin Lyons’ office were not returned.
Earlier: There will be a community rally tonight to protest the transfer of longtime Ballard Boys & Girls Club director to Federal Way. Director Mark Hendricks was told last week that he’d been transferred to Federal Way, a move that has upset many community members. Hendricks has been director of the Ballard club since 1987. Federal Way club director Shelley Puariea is set to take his place in Ballard.
CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of King County Calvin Lyons spoke with us on Friday, saying he made the decision to, “put the strengths where the strengths are needed.” He declined to offer any specific details behind the decision, calling it an internal HR move.
The rally is at 5:30 p.m. at the Ballard Baptist Church, which is across the street from the Ballard Boys & Girls Club (2004 NW 63rd St). Visit this Facebook page about the event for more info.
