TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Erik Dellenback has announced his resignation as executive director of Hope Florida. It’s a nonprofit founded by First Lady Casey DeSantis to connect low-income residents with churches and charities, instead of resorting to government-funded assistance.

The program has been under scrutiny by Republicans in the Florida House, at the same time as the first lady considers a run for governor.

On Wednesday, the governor’s office confirmed Dellenback plans to step down to be the CEO of Florida Family Voice but continue to work with Hope Florida in an advisory capacity.

Just a day before, Dellenback answered questions from state lawmakers during a hearing in Tallahassee involving how grant money from a $10 million settlement was eventually used.

During that same hearing, Hope Florida Board Chair Joshua Hay admitted to hiccups involving operations.

“In recent weeks, the public reporting has made evident that mistakes were made,” Hay said.

The board chair then told lawmakers one of the reasons behind some of the issues.

“There were lapses in reporting procedures and the foundation was not provided with the staffing support necessary to ensure all matters were being quickly and appropriately handled,” Hay said.

The board’s chair said he’s working with the foundation’s lawyer to make corrections.

Recently, Hay filed a tax document, known as Form 990, regarding last fiscal year that ended in June 2024. It showed a total of $40,000 in grants was distributed to four organizations.

However, when it comes to the current fiscal year, lawmakers have questions over how $10 million in settlement funds was spent after Hope Florida distributed those dollars.

“Based on the proposals submitted by the two organizations that received funds, I had no reason to doubt their alignment with Hope Florida’s mission.” Hay said. “Like all of you, I am eager to understand how these funds were utilized.”

Some Republicans say they traced the money, and it may have been used to help defeat Amendment 3 to the end the push to legalize recreational marijuana. Getting voters to keep that ballot measure from the 60% threshold was a goal of the governor, first lady, and other top Florida officials. The first lady has not been accused of any wrongdoing regarding those funds.

On Wednesday, the governor spoke in Fort Myers. He called on Republicans in the House to align with his budget proposal, specifically when it comes to funding law enforcement. DeSantis also defended his wife’s signature welfare assistance program.

“They never ran on joining with Democrats to try to manufacture smears against the administration, the governor, and even the first lady,” DeSantis said. “The program has gotten 30,000 people off of welfare and saved a $100 million. That’s really what it’s all about.”

First Lady DeSantis is expected to announce whether she will toss her hat in the race this Summer. Political Science Professor Tara Newsom with St. Pete College said it’s unclear if voters will remember this investigation next year and it’s unclear if voters will connect the first lady to questions from lawmakers.

“It’s a long way away from the next election. So, whether or not their memories will hold with them once she decides whether she’s going to run or not is a different story,” Newsome said.

Hope Florida’s board is scheduled to hold a public Zoom meeting on Thursday to discuss grant distribution, tax forms, and state law as it applies to open meetings.