CFO Of Ronald McDonald Fired

The Chief Financial Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region has been fired after being charged with criminal mischief for allegedly drawing swastikas on a pro Trump lawn sign. Michael Coleman, 59, is facing the charge after allegedly defacing the sign on October 1 in Duanesburg. According to court documents, Coleman confessed to the vandalism but claimed he did not remember when or where it occurred. Coleman’s alleged actions were captured on a surveillance camera installed by the Schenectady Republican Committee to monitor political signs in the area. Committee Chairman Thomas Kennedy said he was shocked by the discovery. “I was very disappointed to find out he worked for Ronald McDonald House,” Kennedy said. “There’s no excuse for tampering with people’s voices.” The incident also involved the theft of other pro-Trump signs in nearby neighborhoods, including Courtney Drive and Lea Drive, according to court records. Residents had reported signs going missing multiple times leading up to the November election. Political activists from both sides have condemned the vandalism, highlighting the damage such acts can do to public discourse. Libby Post, a political consultant and activist, said, “Defacing political signs just further erodes our political discourse.” Ronald McDonald House Charities, known for providing housing and support to families of sick children, has worked to distance itself from the controversy in a statement that explained the disconnect between his actions and the charity’s mission. “The recent actions taken by Michael Coleman do not align with the mission and values of RMHC-CR,” the statement reads. “The focus of RMHC-CR is and will continue to be caring for families with sick children, so they can focus on
what matters most – the health and wellbeing of their child.” Coleman had been with the organization for several years before his termination. Details about his tenure and specific contributions to the charity were not disclosed. Coleman turned himself in before being charged and is scheduled to appear
in Duanesburg Town Court on December 4. As the investigation continues, the incident has raised questions about the motivations behind such acts and their implications on public trust. For now, Ronald McDonald House leaders are working to reassure the community that their focus remains on helping families during some of the most challenging times in their lives. For the families relying on Ronald McDonald House, however, the charity’s message remains clear: their mission is to provide support, not division.