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Byrd Alzheimer's Center Lays Off 19 Workers

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By ADAM EMERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 24, 2008

After assuming control of the troubled Byrd Alzheimer's center in July, the University of South Florida laid off 19 of its workers today, most of whom are administrators USF says it can no longer afford.

"This is administrative overhead that was more than the institute needed," USF spokesman Michael Hoad said.

Leaders at the Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute had hoped to spread out its reserve cash to stay in business, but Hoad said the center would burn its reserves in 18 months.

Those leaders last spring gave up a year in state funding to preserve the center's independence. In June, however, the institute agreed to an affiliation that turned its operations over to USF.

The job cuts save the center $2 million a year, or 40 percent, in salaries and benefits, Hoad said.

Eleven of the 19 workers dismissed are administrators who hold jobs that range from communications to contracts. The other eight are temporary workers, Hoad said.

The institute's former chief executive officer, Huntington Potter, remains at the center as a senior researcher. USF's medical school dean and vice president of health sciences, Stephen Klasko, now is the institute's top executive.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285 or aemerson@tampatrib.com.

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