FORT LAUDERDALE – On Friday, Broward House CEO Michael McGuigan resigned his position in what was described as an emotional scene. McGuigan—who had been the subject of allegations of child sexual abuse—resigned effective immediately, in the aftermath of what had been a difficult period for the county’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization. Board President Mark Budwig announced that Stacy Hyde, the agency’s chief operating officer, will serve as Interim CEO.
The allegations concerning McGuigan first came to light in 2010. At the time, then-Broward House CEO Angelo Castillo spoke up for McGuigan, and assured board members that children under the organization’s care would not be imperiled. Castillo, who resigned as CEO in September, is a Pembroke Pines city commissioner. Concerning the abuse allegations against McGuigan, Castillo told a reporter, “Has he been convicted of anything?”
Budwig also reportedly supported the work that McGuigan had performed at the agency, as CEO and before. According to knowledgeable reports, the Broward House board was under pressure to fire or suspend McGuigan, 53. That pressure increased last week after two board members—representing Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System—resigned after the majority of the board refused calls to remove him.
It was also reported that the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Broward County Commission were considering withdrawing funding that makes up part of Broward House’s $11 million budget.
As of 1/7/13, Broward House is still paying Michael McGuigen with HOPWA taxpayer funds. Disgraceful.