The head of a large homelessness nonprofit in North County is out of a job at a moment when the organization is trying to significantly expand its reach.

Chris Megison, a co-founder of Solutions for Change, quietly left as director months ago. The Vista-based group has recently been led by the chair of its board, and on Tuesday the organization announced that a longtime consultant will step in as interim CEO.

Megison declined to say what caused his departure.

“I’m proud of the mission and impact Solutions for Change has had over the past 26 years, and I remain deeply committed to the families and Overcomers it serves,” he wrote in a statement online. (“Overcomers” are graduates of the nonprofit’s recovery program.) “I remain grateful for the mission and legacy of Solutions for Change and ask for prayers for the families, staff, and supporters during this season.”

The incoming interim CEO, Aaron Byzak, praised Megison’s tenure.

“He’s a visionary leader,” Byzak said in an interview.

Last year, Solutions for Change signed a multi-million-dollar contract to buy Green Oak Ranch, a massive property in Vista, in the hopes of turning the site into both a headquarters and a training ground for other, like-minded organizations. The nonprofit’s leaders are prominent critics of a homelessness policy known as Housing First, which prioritizes getting people a permanent place to live before other needs are addressed, and Solutions for Change programs often emphasize drug treatment and job training.

Solutions for Change famously refused government funding in order to sidestep Housing First rules required by the state.

That decision, however, may have dented its bottom line. In 2023, the organization’s expenses ($6.3 million) far exceeded revenue ($3.7 million), according to the most recent tax records available. Carlsbad had to take over an apartment complex run by Solutions for Change after the group failed to raise enough money to keep its work there afloat.

Byzak’s contract begins Jan. 5. He said one of his first actions will be an assessment of the organization to determine whether any changes need to be made, although he noted that the Green Oak Ranch project was “still a go.” He also pledged to “reinvigorate” the group’s relationships with donors.

Byzak said he did not know the full state of Solutions for Change’s finances.

The interim position is not intended to become permanent. Byzak said his contract is good for four months, with options for two, two-month extensions. He will work 20 hours a week. Byzak declined to say how much the contract was worth.

Byzak previously served a similar role at the Grossmont Healthcare District while that organization searched for a permanent leader. He owns the consulting firm Galvanized Strategies and has advised Solutions for Change on public affairs. He’s also taught career planning classes for program participants.

“Vista is fortunate to have both a strong organization and a strong leader stepping forward at this critical time,” John Franklin, that city’s mayor, said in a statement.

Megison went on leave from Solutions for Change around late July or early August, according to Byzak. He did not think Megison was still employed by the nonprofit.

Board Chair Chris Chen is currently acting CEO, the organization wrote in a press release.