INDIANAPOLIS — The sudden departure of Newfield's CEO Dr. Collette Burnette is still igniting frustration from people in Indianapolis.
"They didn't have the courtesy to really talk to the community about what was going on," said Wildstyle Paschall, an artist and community advocate. "They released the information after 5 (p.m.) on a Friday as if we're just going to forget about her and party the weekend away or something. It's just really sad."
Paschall is the latest person to resign from his role on Newfields' community council.
Paschall said Newfields asked him to join the council in 2021 to help bridge the gap with the Black community after a racially insensitive job posting got national attention.
When the previous president stepped down, Burnette took the job as CEO.
"She immediately showed what she was about and that was about making real change. I would see her at Newfields and events, but I would also see her in my community and other people's communities around the city," Paschall said.
Paschall said in Burnette's 15 months at Newfields, she created trust in the community.
Newfields did release a statement, but did not address Burnette's departure.
Paschall said his decision to leave carried a deeper meaning.
"I just didn't feel it was credible that Newfields plans to change anytime in the near future, not with the current leadership. It just ... they don't value community in a way I feel my community wants to be valued, and I can't be a part of something like that," said Paschall.
Newfields has appointed Michael Kubacki as interim CEO.