By Staff Report
Former board member and treasurer Marvin Blake Jr. has formally resigned from the Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation (NCIF), citing concerns over governance practices, financial oversight, and compliance with the organization’s bylaws.
The resignation, dated January 29, 2026, was submitted to legal counsel involved in ongoing court proceedings related to the foundation. Blake had been serving on the NCIF board and as treasurer following a temporary court appointment in October 2023.
Background
According to the resignation letter, Blake’s appointment was intended to be temporary and focused on updating NCIF’s Articles of Incorporation and bylaws. He indicated that those updates were never completed during the period he served.
Blake also referenced court filings made in November 2025 that followed a review of NCIF’s accounts by a certified public accountant. Those filings alleged irregularities in the foundation’s finances and prompted court action restricting access to financial accounts.
Governance and Financial Oversight
In his resignation, Blake stated that he did not approve or participate in any questioned financial transfers and said he objected to expenditures made without formal board or court authorization. He further indicated that he was not consulted regarding certain financial decisions during his tenure as treasurer.
The letter also raised concerns about how NCIF meetings have been conducted. Blake asserted that the foundation relied on informal or special meetings rather than regularly scheduled public meetings required by the bylaws. He argued that this approach undermines public trust and limits transparency.
Request for Formal Removal
Blake requested confirmation that his resignation would be formally recognized and asked that a court order be prepared, if necessary, to remove him from the NCIF board and from the treasurer position. He also sought guidance on whether additional legal steps would be required to complete his removal.
NCIF has historically managed funds intended for community projects in Natchitoches Parish. Questions surrounding governance practices, public access to meetings, and financial controls may affect public confidence in how those funds are managed and whether future community projects move forward.
The resignation adds to broader scrutiny already underway through court proceedings and accounting reviews, placing additional focus on the foundation’s internal controls and compliance with its governing documents.
Court proceedings related to NCIF’s finances and governance remain ongoing. It is unclear whether additional court orders will be issued regarding board composition, financial oversight, or future operations of the foundation.
Read Original Letter from Blake to Sylvia
