Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Former executive director suing Baptist Childen's Home

PORTALES — The former executive director of the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home in Portales has sued the home’s board of directors for wrongful termination. Randy Rankin has asked to be awarded unspecified actual and punitive damages.

Court records show Rankin was terminated from the position on Jan. 21 after being placed “on sabbatical” in November.

In February, Rankin resigned his position as president of the Portales Municipal Schools Board of Directors. Officials said he was leaving his job at the children’s home and moving out of state to be closer to children.

Rankin had been the NMBCH’s executive director since 2011.

According to the complaint, Rankin was ordered to clear out his personal belongings by Jan. 31.

On Jan. 21, the complaint said, an article appeared in the Baptist New Mexico newsletter stating that Rankin had been terminated from his position effective that day.

That article noted that no explanation had been given for Rankin’s dismissal. In a later article in the same newsletter, which is included as an appendix to Rankin’s complaint, NMBCH Board President Lora Harlan is quoted as saying the board could not comment on Rankin’s dismissal because it was a legal matter.

Steve Ballew, executive director of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico, is quoted in the same article as saying the Rankin matter was “in law enforcement hands.”

Local online court records make no reference to Rankin in any criminal matters. Asked Friday about criminal allegations regarding Rankin, District Attorney Brian Stover said “A report has been made to the Portales Police Department. The matter is under investigation.”

Stover offered no additional information and referred questions to Portales Police Chief Chris Williams who did not return a phone call on Friday.

Rankin’s complaint states that he’s done nothing wrong.

The complaint seeks damages based on breach of implied employment contract, interference with contractual relations, and more, including invasion of privacy.

Harlan could not be reached for comment.

The news release in which the children’s home announced Rankin’s termination and a search for a new executive director states that the home operates facilities in Portales and just outside of Alamogordo. The release also states the home operates a separate ministry center in Portales and was developing a residential facility in Estancia.

 
 
Rendered 03/27/2024 04:13