The longtime property manager of the John F. Kennedy Apartment building says she applied for the recently open director position at the Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority, but, she said she never got the opportunity to interview for the position.

Gloria Martin has been working for JMHA since 1995 stood up in a public meeting last month declaring she was interested in the director position.

She and others are supporting her belief she was unfairly passed over. They said she deserved at least an interview.

A one-day petition started Monday in support of Martin garnered 65 signatures. Residents Martin supervises and helps signed on her behalf.

However, the Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority Board had already hired a new director.

Part of the problem is there was no public meeting or announcement. The Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority Board is bound by Sunshine Laws that require legal notification of hiring and other personnel decisions. Their next meeting is Oct. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

Board Member Tony Morelli issued a statement:

After going through over 45 resumes the board of commissioner held interviews with their top picks on Monday, September 24, 2018. After careful consideration and discussion of what they felt was the best decision for JMHA long term they made an offer to Melody McClurg. Melody is a Jefferson County native that comes to them with a wide range of experiences. She has a bachelors of Science degree, licensed as a Nursing Home Administrator and Certified Dementia Practitioner. Melody started her career with in law enforcement in the private and public sectors then moved on to healthcare and community relations from there. Melody has served on couple different committees at JMHA in the past and is well versed in what has been going on with housing in Jefferson County. When asked what she feels she can contribute to JMHA she stated, ‘I have a passion for people and making sure everyone has a clean and safe environment to live. I also have several long term relationships with agencies in the area that can contribute to the success of JMHA and will benefit the residents.’ Melody is highly motivated to work with the residents, staff, federal, local, and state government to get rid of the negative connotations of JMHA. Melody starts at JMHA as the executive director on Monday, October 8, 2018. Please join the board of commissioners in welcoming her to housing.