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Rio Rancho Mayor Kevin Jackson has been fired from his role as executive director of a nonprofit group after accusations that he mismanaged federal grant money, the chairman of the group's board said today.

The board of New Mexico Family Council-Best Choice - which works to strengthen marriages and promote abstinence education - on Monday voted unanimously to oust Jackson, said chairman Dale Lumley Sr.

Jackson and his wife, Kathy, founded the group in 2001.

"We're not wanting to slam Kevin Jackson," Lumley said. "We did what we had to do regrettably. But, it was the right thing to do and it had to be done."

The group's finances are being investigated based on claims that federal grant money was misappropriated, Lumley said. A grant administrator with the federal Department of Health and Human Services "pointed out some problematic areas and monies that needed to be returned to the grant fund," he said.

Those problems include salary and improper donations and travel expenses paid from federal grant money, Lumley said. The exact amount in question hasn't been determined, he said.

Lumley said the group is still awaiting a report from a federal inspector general who is expected to investigate the grants.

New Mexico Family Council-Best Choice functions largely off two federal Health and Human Services grants: a three-year Abstinence Education Grant set to expire June 30 that averaged about $500,000 a year, and a five-year Healthy Marriage Demonstration Grant which began in October and provides $495,000 a year, according to officials with the nonprofit.

Jackson, who couldn't be reached for comment this morning, resigned as executive director of Best Choice Educational Services on Friday.

Lumley said Best Choice last year merged with the New Mexico Family Council. The board had not received Jackson's resignation notice as of Tuesday, Lumley said, leading to his firing.

Jackson did not resign due to the grant inquiry, said his personal spokeswoman, Joan Griffin.

"There is more financial opportunity for him to do other things" than continue to run the nonprofit, said Griffin. Jackson earned $60,000 a year with the nonprofit, she said.

B.J. Crow, an attorney retained by Jackson, declined to comment on any investigation into the grant money until the inspector general issues a report. But he provided a prepared statement issued last month on Jackson's behalf.

"The allegations from current and former disgruntled employees against Mr. Jackson concerning any improprieties are false," the statement read. "He looks forward to clearing his good name and continuing to serve the interests of New Mexicans with his community service."