NEWARK -- The largest housing authority in the state is searching for a new director after its ousted leader left the post nearly two months earlier than expected.

The executive director of the Newark Housing Authority is no longer with the agency even though his contract expired on Sept. 26, a member of the Board of Commissioners confirmed to NJ Advance Media.

Keith Kinard, who served as director for 11 years, left earlier this month but Commissioner Fausto Baez said he wasn't clear on the circumstances of his departure.

Earlier this year, the board voted not to renew Kinard's contract and move in a different direction.

Attempts to reach Kinard this week by email and phone were unsuccessful.

Board chairman Charles Bell previously said the NHA needed to move forward with a new leader but praised Kinard's tenure.

"Mr. Kinard, under the circumstances, has done a good job here at the Newark Housing Authority and we really appreciate the time and effort that has served us very well," Bell said during a March public meeting where the board voted not to renew Kinard's contract.

Kinard, 48, took helm of the largest public housing authority in the state in June 2006. He earned $222,721 a year, public records show.

The NHA is an autonomous city agency that receives federal funding to manage public housing properties in the city. The mayor appoints members of the board who in turn hire and fire the director.

Baez said Chief Legal Officer Ellen M. Harris was appointed interim director while the board interviews candidates to replace Kinard.

"They're going to have to answer a lot of questions," Baez said of the candidates. He said the board had to ensure the new director "is prepared and ready to do the job."

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.