Regarding Twin Valleys, the Board reiterates that this farm is an important and significant part of Seed Savers Exchange. The Ancient White Park Cattle that graze on Twin Valleys and Heritage Farm have become part of SSE, too. The Board does not intend to change these things about SSE at this time.
To recognize Kent’s legacy and service to SSE, and to ease his transition from SSE employment, the Board offered an arrangement that would have allowed for an amicable parting. Such agreements are not uncommon when a long-term employee leaves an organization, and they normally include provisions to prevent negative comments, to protect organizational records and property, and to insure confidentiality of the terms of the agreement. Negotiations were ultimately unsuccessful. Regardless, SSE has a legal and professional obligation to maintain confidentiality of personnel matters and respect the privacy of others. We will continue to do so for Kent by not releasing details of his employment. Kent was not asked to remain silent about his employment at SSE. In his letter, Kent chose to reveal his own personal information, which he may do.
SSE has always had a self-perpetuating board that operates under Iowa laws governing not-for-profit corporations. A not-for-profit corporation cannot be taken over by private or individual interests. The law obligates Board members of a not-for-profit corporation to act in the best interests of the organization, even if that may not coincide with the interests or desires of any particular individual, including a co-founder.
SSE operates only to fulfill its mission, and the Board, which serves without compensation, has a legal and moral obligation to see that this is accomplished. Kent voluntarily stepped down from the SSE Board back in September 2006, as part of a remedy for issues that had arisen. SSE’s 2001 By-Laws were revised in November 2007 to bring them into compliance with recent changes to Iowa law. The November 2007 By-Law revision did not change the status of our members or Advisors. Advisors and members are important groups, but neither have ever had voting rights at SSE.
SSE has and will properly honor Kent’s great contributions to the organization and we hope to reconcile with him someday. In the meantime, the importance of our collective work, and loyalty to the cause, must transcend any individual, personal, or personnel issues. We hope we can count on you to continue to support Seed Savers Exchange as we go forward as a vital and growing organization.Sincerely,
Amy Goldman, Director and Chair of the Board
Neil Hamilton, Director and Vice Chair of the Board
Rob Johnston, Director and Treasurer of the Board
Deborah Madison, Director and Secretary of the Board
Cary Fowler, Director
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Categories: Opinions
