As posted previously, Kent Whealy was fired from Seed Savers Exchange. The Seed Savers Exchange responds to his claims. While the board responds directly to some of Kent’s claims, some more obvious points seem to have been omitted. Some of the most concerning of those points were:
- Other staff members being released
- Denied access to his research. It was through his generosity that Seed Savers became the benefactor of those riches. To deny him access to his own life’s work seems unconscionable.
- No comments on the substantial influx of cash
As a member of Seed Savers I sincerely hope that the air clears over the coming months with more forthright information. I do understand the desire to abstain from commenting on some of the details of the departure. Unfortunately, this all too often, provides a veil, for corporations to disclose far too little information. I do appreciate the letter from the board but it seems to fall short on offering a substantial explanation.
Dear Members and Friends of Seed Savers Exchange:
By now some of you have probably received or heard about Kent Whealy’s unfortunate and lengthy letter about the end of his employment with Seed Savers Exchange. SSE acknowledges the resulting confusion and appreciates the expressions of support it has received. Kent’s letter has many inaccuracies, half-truths, and omissions. We cannot and will not comment on everything, as it would not be in the best interests of SSE to publicly reveal, discuss, or debate confidential internal personnel matters. However, the Board wants to correct a few of the most misleading points that were made in Kent’s letter so that you can better understand the history and the Board’s position.
First and foremost, we want to assure you that SSE is in excellent shape and is moving forward to achieve its important mission. SSE retained Phillips Oppenheim Group to conduct a national search for a new President/Executive Director in November 2007. In the interim, there is continuity of leadership at SSE. Diane Ott Whealy (co-founder and Vice President of Education), Aaron Whaley (Vice President of Sales), and Matt Barthel (Vice President of Gardens & Collections) remain in key roles and continue to bring their expertise to SSE. Staff have redoubled their efforts for SSE.
Kent’s letter, by its tone and content, demonstrates that his relationship with the Board had deteriorated beyond repair by the time of his departure. This did not happen overnight, nor was it based on a single incident. The Board’s unanimous decision to terminate Kent’s employment at the end of October 2007 was the culmination of years of fundamental problems with Kent’s performance, management, judgment, and conduct. The Board’s attempts to address and correct these problems with Kent were unsuccessful and matters only worsened. Kent mentions a few of these problems specifically, but provides only part of those stories. Just one of the incidents in this series of problems is the “shed” referenced in Kent’s letter. This is actually a 5000 square foot building that Kent ordered constructed at an estimated cost of $70,000. This was done without Board consideration or approval of the project, despite direction that this was required. This building has not been completed. The $70,000 Kent obtained for it, via a special anonymous donation, was insufficient, and the Board is now considering options and alternatives for the building. In summary, the ultimate decision to terminate Kent’s employment was not without warning; it was not unforeseen, capricious, or malicious. It was difficult and heart-wrenching, but inescapable.
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Categories: Opinions
