Camden, N.J. — John O’Donnell, CEO of The Michaels Organization, has taken a leave of absence to focus on defending himself against allegations announced in an indictment on June 17, 2024, by the New Jersey State Attorney General. The indictment does not name Michaels as a company, and is limited in scope to two properties along the Camden, New Jersey, Waterfront — one office tower and one conventional multifamily community.
All business operations at Michaels — including development, property management, construction and investment — will continue as usual. Mark Morgan, who most recently served as the company’s COO, has assumed the role of CEO. Joe Purcell, the company’s chief financial officer, will continue in his current position.
“John O’Donnell has been a trusted colleague and industry leader for more than 30 years and has our organization’s full support during this difficult time,” says Morgan. “Our organization’s focus remains, as always, on our mission of crafting housing solutions that jumpstart education, civic engagement and neighborhood prosperity, and on creating communities that lift lives.”