The back-to-back resignations of Lake Chapala Society Executive Director James Burns and LCS Board President Hunter Johnson this past weekend raise questions about the stability and future direction of the oldest and largest community service organization at lakeside.
The power shift took place barely two weeks ahead of the LCS membership’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). And it came on the heels of the loss of another board member, Randy Keyworth, who served not only as LCS treasurer, but also chair of its nominating committee.
Burns tendered his resignation on Friday, February 27, to take effect on March 13, four calendar days before the AGM. He has served as executive director, a paid staff position, since January of last year.
His resignation letter stated, in part, “In nearly forty years of not-for-profit leadership roles serving on boards and as an executive, I have learned that if after a year with an organization it has not demonstrated alignment in the areas of ethics and governance, that change is unlikely to happen.” He did not explain specific problems he found troubling.
Johnson, who was elected board president by acclamation at the 2025 AGM, handed in his resignation to the board on Saturday, February 28, citing personal health issues.
Keyworth had quit the previous weekend, likewise attributing his departure to failing health.
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