Bryony House executive director Laurie Ehler leaves charity

There's been a change of leadership at Bryony House, a shelter in Halifax for abused women and children.

Laurie Ehler is no longer executive director, although officials won't discuss the matter. The organization's board chair, Sharon Scalling, says the matter is confidential as both parties have "signed confidentiality agreements."

Scalling did say Ehler's departure has "nothing to do" with the controversial house lottery run by the organization last year.

The Dare to Dream lottery was managed by ALPC Housing Solutions, operated by Kris Martin and her friend, Maria Sanchez.

Martin sold her Waverley home to Bryony House for $1,075,000, to be used as the grand prize in the lottery draw. She then bought the house back from the winners for $620,000, a difference of $455,000.

Ticket sales did not go as well as planned and the lottery had to be extended. The lottery was also the subject of a complaint and investigation under the Gaming Control Act, but it was cleared of any violations.

The money from the lottery was supposed to finance an expansion of Bryony House, but that was put on hold because of slow ticket sales.

CBC News has been unable to reach Ehler for comment.