Noelia Rodriguez, the former Deputy Mayor for communication in the Riordan years who did a stint as press secretary for First Lady Laura Bush, didn't stay long as president of Town Hall. Only a matter of weeks, actually, until she left with an email blast at the speech-hosting organization that I reprint below. Now Town Hall chairman Tony Anderson has announced that Jon Goodman, the former executive director of EC2, the Annenberg Incubator Project at USC, has stepped in this week as interim president.

Rodriguez's departure email has strong criticism of Town Hall:

July 1, 2005

Mr. Tony Anderson
Chairman, Town Hall Los Angeles

Dear Tony:

I am writing as a follow-up to our conversation of
last Monday, during which we discussed the situation
that I have inherited at Town Hall Los Angeles and my
intent to leave my post.

I was disappointed to have to inform you that, after
just two weeks of assessment of the organization, I
have identified a number of areas of concern.
However, three crucial areas are most troubling and
they have clearly been in the making for quite some
time: the staff has not been motivated nor required
to perform beyond minimal expectations; the
development and programming results are at a
standstill at best, and realistically, in decline;
and, most seriously, the budget shortfalls are
staggering for an organization of this size.

I assign no personal blame for any of these
circumstances, but these are the facts as I see them
now. Frankly, I am concerned what else will be
revealed with additional assessment.

When I accepted this position, I did so because I
wanted the opportunity to take an organization in
transition to the next level and I was prepared for
the attendant challenges. However, the problems I
have encountered are much deeper than the
organizational profile I was presented. Therefore,
please accept this letter as my resignation effective
July 8.

I am sorry this experience has turned out this way.
I wish you and the organization the best of luck in the
future.

Sincerely,

Noelia Rodriguez

And the follow-up from Tony Anderson:

A message from Tony Anderson to the
Town Hall Los Angeles Board of Directors

As many of you are aware, Noelia Rodriguez
submitted her letter of resignation on July 1, notifying me that she planned to leave her position as President of Town Hall Los Angeles (THLA) effective July 8, 2005. Although her decision came as a complete surprise, the Executive Committee immediately met
and developed a two-pronged strategy to move forward to bring leadership and stability to the organization on both an interim and then long-term basis. The first step was to seek a capable interim president, preferably someone who knew the organization well. The second step is to initiate a national search with a recruitment firm that specializes in non-profit searches to identify and recruit a well qualified permanent president.

Accordingly, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that effective Tuesday, August 16, 2005, Dr. Jon Goodman, a director of Town Hall-Los Angeles who has been closely involved with the organization for several years, has agreed to serve as the Interim President. During her tenure, Jon has agreed to manage the organization, facilitate and organize quality programs, spearhead THLA strategy, and actively participate in finding a long term replacement. For those of you who may not be familiar with Jon or aware of the breadth of experience which she brings with her to this position, I have attached her personal bio for your review. We are extremely fortunate to have Jon take on this assignment at this pivotal time in the organization's development. Further, her leadership will give us the luxury of time to find the ideal person to lead THLA for the long-term future.

As Chairman of the Board of THLA, I would like to thank each of you for your ongoing commitment to the organization and its continued success. I feel privileged to have such a strong and active Board
and I know you will give Jon your utmost support and assistance.

Tony Anderson