The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) is turning to its former CEO to help get it through millions of dollars in debt.
The organization announced that Brian Angus, who was the CEO from 2010 to 2019, will step in as interim CEO as the hunt for a new leader begins.
Driving the news: Former CEO Emilia Reyes took over the top job at the Fresno EOC in 2020, where she remained until she was placed on a leave of absence in November.
- Reyes had her contract expire at the end of the year after a financial report showed a $3.3 million deficit for the organization.
- The report blamed the deficit on an inability to renegotiate multi-year agreements for Food Services and the Local Conservation Corps because of the rising costs of transportation, utilities and food.
Zoom in: The Fresno EOC has an operating budget of $134 million, meaning the deficit is just 2.5% of its spending.
What we’re watching: Angus returns to the Fresno EOC and takes over the CEO job from Michelle Tutunjian, the organization’s COO who filled in as interim CEO when Reyes was placed on leave of absence.
Zoom out: The Fresno EOC was founded in 1965, one year after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunities Act to help local communities fight poverty.
- The Fresno EOC is one of the largest poverty fighting agencies in the country. It employs over 1,200 people and has over 30 programs to serve the community, which serves over 100,000 Fresno County residents annually.
What they’re saying: “Fresno EOC has always been a vital resource and advocate for our community,” Angus said in a statement. “I am honored to return during this transition to help ensure the agency remains strong, focused, and committed to delivering impactful services. Together, we will continue empowering individuals, supporting families, and working toward fighting poverty in Fresno County.”
