Cherriots reports no financial or operational ties to the Oregon Childcare Coalition amid investigations and allegations involving transit board member and nonprofit leader RJ Navarro.
Salem, OR. – The Salem Area Mass Transit District, known as Cherriots, reported this week that no district funds or programs are connected to a nonprofit now under investigation for financial mismanagement, after reports surfaced linking one of its board members to the troubled organization.
In an October 30 release, Cherriots acknowledged public concerns following media coverage of the Oregon Childcare Coalition, a Salem-based nonprofit reportedly facing bounced payroll checks, unpaid vendors, and allegations of possible embezzlement. The district said that while board member Ramiro “RJ” Navarro holds a leadership role with the organization, “no District funds, programs, or resources are involved.” The situation underscores the importance of strong nonprofit governance structures.
Cherriots reported that it is “closely monitoring the situation” and consulting with legal counsel to ensure its response aligns with governance obligations. The statement added that the district would not comment further, calling the matter a personnel and legal issue involving another entity.
The Salem Business Journal detailed the Oregon Childcare Coalition’s financial collapse earlier this month, citing employee complaints and a pending police investigation. Navarro was identified as both the nonprofit’s board president and interim executive director…