San Diego
Herb Cawthorne, the controversial black leader threatened with a lawsuit over alleged mismanagement of San Diego Urban League funds, has taken over the helm of the Black Federation of San Diego, the organization announced Thursday.
Cawthorne assumed his duties as chairman and chief executive officer of the federation Monday, said Vernon Sukumu, the organization’s former executive director who now holds the title of president.
On Jan. 3, Cawthorne resigned from his half-time post as an executive for the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce, little more than four months after he had taken the job. On June 7, Cawthorne abruptly quit the Urban League amid still unexplained allegations that he had mismanaged the organization’s funds.
The Urban League decided last month to sue Cawthorne to recover almost $30,000 in funds and costs, according to sources familiar with the decision, but no legal papers have been filed.
Cawthorne, who takes over an organization with a $50,000 debt, will be involved in fund raising, both for the organization and black social service groups, and programs to develop low-cost housing, Sukumu said.
Cawthorne could not be reached for comment.
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