The NKU Foundation is currently searching for a permanent replacement for former President/CEO James Alford who was arrested Dec. 19 on charges that he was trafficking marijuana.

Henry “Bud” Pogue IV, the Vice President of the Foundation, is currently serving as interim President until a permanent replacement can be found.

Pogue said a search committee is looking for candidates to fill the position. Members of the university community as well as “recognized leaders” in Northern Kentucky have been asked to submit names of possible candidates.

The search committee will then contact the candidates and ask them to submit resumes if they are interested in the position.

Pogue said the search committee is not looking outside of Northern Kentucky for candidates.

An announcement about the replacement could be made by May 22 at the annual meeting of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Pogue said.

According to an email addressed to the university community from President James Votruba, an independent accounting firm, authorized by the Foundation itself, will conduct a comprehensive audit of the Foundation to make sure all of it’s assets have been managed well.

The NKU Foundation manages and invests private contributions to the University.

“While the circumstances surrounding Dr. Alford’s departure are distressing to all of us, please allow me to reiterate that the steps being taken are for the purpose of protecting the assets of the Foundation,” wrote Votruba.

After Alford’s arrest, he was suspended indefinitely from his duties at the Foundation and subsequently resigned.

According to a uniform citation filed in Campbell District Court, police found over eight ounces marijuana, scales, baggies and a ..38-caliber revolver during a warranted search of Alford’s residence.

As President, Alford was responsible for the managing the day to day operations of the Foundation.

Alford’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4 at 1:30.