The Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority (PURA) board unanimously voted on Aug. 6 to accept Executive Director Jerry Pacheco’s decision not to renew his contract. While Pacheco had offered to remain until Sept. 30, his departure took effect Aug. 7, ending nearly a decade of service.
His exit came days after Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham, in a July 31 email obtained by The Chieftain, accused him of a “continued pattern of egregious unprofessional conduct.” The email alleged that at a July 24 meeting, Pacheco called Public Works Director Andrew Hayes a “psychopath” and described former Planning Director Scott Hobson as “worthless.”
Pacheco’s contract included a $192,873 salary plus up to $24,000 in merit pay tied to performance goals, professional development, and relationship building.
Despite the mayor’s criticisms, the PURA board praised Pacheco’s contributions in an Aug. 7 news release and left open the possibility of working with him as a consultant. In his resignation letter, Pacheco expressed gratitude, writing, “Please take solace in knowing we, as PURA, made a difference in our community.”
New Interim Director
The board named Cherish Deeg, PURA’s operations director for over a decade, as interim executive director. Deeg has managed finance, operations, and key funding programs, including the Tax Increment Finance program and the vendor fee program for the Pueblo Convention Center and Memorial Hall.
“I am deeply honored to step in during this pivotal moment,” Deeg said. “We will continue to honor the spirit of transparency and collaboration.”
Board leaders—Chairman Dr. James Valenzula, Vice Chair Jeanette Garcia, and Treasurer Chris DeLuca—will oversee the search for a permanent replacement. DeLuca declined further comment, citing board policy on personnel matters.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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