Kent Whealy's Letter to SSE Members

[canadamike]

The rich bitch theory is not a theory lavadula . It is the only thing that clearly comes out of this sad story. I will throw her book in the garbage can.

And I will boycott Johnny's Seeds forever, and encourage everybody to do so, unless Johnston distantiates himself from this mess or does something to fight back for Ken, in which case I will place a giant order.

We have to organize something. Resistance is not futile against the Goldman Borg.

[houseodessey]

This whole thing is just tragic. I hope that Mr. Whealy has lots of people who support him in his private life. He certainly will need that right now. To lose one's life work to a bunch of ego driven maggots is unimaginable to me.

I don't really know anything about SSE but from what I've read here, I agree with Canadamike. Don't let this fizzle. Otherwise, there will be no reason for anyone to find out about SSE before long.

[cff]

Its apparent that SSE has already received some feedback from Kent's dismissal. I hope they do the right thing to fix this. SSE is a great (or was a great) organization up until this point.
This was posted today at SSE web sight

To anyone looking for a response in this forum to a recent letter that was sent to SSE's Listed Members:

There are legal issues, as well as PR issues, involved in responding to Kent's letter, which has made an immediate response difficult. SSE is preparing a response and it will be available within the next day or so, both on Seed Savers' website (www.seedsavers.org) and here on Seed Savers' forum (seedsavers.forumco.com). We appreciate your understanding and patience in the meantime.

Steph Hughes
Seed Savers Exchange

[kctomato]

lavandulagirl said:

My over active brain has been working overtime. Wanna hear my c-o-n-spiracy theory?

from the PreservationistPaparazzi.com



Martha darling, I tell you they are all the rage from Boston to Manhattan.
And yes, I am already aging one for your barbeque this summer for helping promote my new book.

[pyrorob]

lavandulagirl, I had the same thoughts after reading Kent's letter in regards to Little Miss Amy Cutthroat. She weasled herself in there pretty smoothly. I'm guessing that there might also be other as yet unnamed, but well known, people involved in this.

I also agree, with ehr close ties to other seed companies, and the 'unreleased' seeds of the SSE seed bank, it's all too suspicious and convenient. It certainly positions Amy to make her own fortune with PVP's...

What a mess.

--->Rob

[MawkHawk]

LG, regarding your conspiracy theory, I wonder if the mormons and muslims are involved somehow. You should propose this at IDig and see if you get some responses. That would be very funny.

I'm not an SSE member nor have any dealings with them, but this certainly makes me sick reading all about this event. Geez, is nothing sacred? I won't be ordering from Johnny's as well, although they were one of my favorite seed sources.... unfortunate...

[PapaVic]

HAPPIER DAYS OF YORE:

home.earthlink.net/~garygarlic/garlic/2006SSETrip.htm

... but note the foreboding line in the middle of the narrative:

"Kent Whealey filled us on the goings on with SSE ... the organization is maturing, with plans for the future looking pretty good. I see changes afoot, and probably a bit of turbulance, but in a good way."

Google is fun!

Bill

[lavandulagirl]

mawkhawk said:

LG, regarding your conspiracy theory, I wonder if the mormons and muslims are involved somehow. You should propose this at IDig and see if you get some responses. That would be very funny.

Silly Mawkhawk... the Goldmans are a good Jewish family. This won't be a Muslim conspiracy... it's OBVIOUSLY a ploy by the Guiliani campaign! Perhaps we can fit cross dressing in there somehow, though... I would float the idea at idig, except that I'm afraid it'll get posted as fact at a later date!

[Mischka]

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 the 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.

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 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

[MawkHawk]

Gee whiz, I feel better already.


Oh, and BTW Alan, you should delete Mischka's entire SEE post as it appears to be advertising a competing site.

[DarJones]

I am reminded of Steve Jobs who was ousted from Apple Computer by his handpicked successory, Scully. In a very short period of time, Apple computer was on its knees and on the verge of collapse. Apple brought Jobs back and today we have the Ipod, music downloads, and a host of innovations that would not be here otherwise. Steve Jobs is an unreasonable and creative person.

My point is simple. It takes an unreasonable person to run an organization like SSE and maintain its vitality long term. The current directors will seek out the exact opposite type personality. In the long run, this will be very detrimental to SSE's growth.

I would like nothing so much as to be proven wrong.

DarJones

[kctomato]

mawkhawk said:

Gee whiz, I feel better already.


Oh, and BTW Alan, you should delete Mischka's entire SEE post as it appears to be advertising a competing site.

...and his avatar is politcal
(likely some copyright infringement going on there too)

[kctomato]

OMG someone is channeling feldon!

[Alan]

Thanks for the humor KCtomato, I really do appreciate it and the picture above is great!


Anyhow, does SSE actually expect their members and the general public to read this crap and believe a bit of it and not see through the transparent and nonchelant bull present in that release?

A few things that stand out in my mind:

1. 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.

Really, if it's filled with inaccuracies, half truths and omissions why is it that when I read it I actually see numbers and instances accounted for as opposed to your responce which seems purely politcal and an attempt at assasination of character? Also, you only give one or two examples of the problems you supposedly have as an organization with Kent which don't seem at all glaring or demeaning to SSE in my eyes and I predict even in the eyes of those reading this letter around the world.

2. 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 the 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.

The tone of Kents letter in my mind was very professional, allbeit it was impassioned, but a letter coming from someone who started an orginazation dealing with something he is passionate about and then having it ripped out from under him is going to indeed sound that way. You had problems with Kents performance, management, and judment? By all means give examples other than that he bought a 70,000 dollar shed, a shed that it sounds to me like not only did you need, but was already paid for, and you knew it was needed. I'm on a fire dept. and theres a common law with our board that if something is absolutely needed for the departments health or for us to be able to do our jobs safely and efficently and you can get the money for it from a grant or that has already been appropriated for those means, then go ahead and get it! This whole blurb sounds like character assasination and a cover up of the fact that you didn't so much have problems with his role in the organization but that you had a problem with him personally, maybe because he was questioning your power and position? Very shallow indeed board members.

3. 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.

In Kents letter it is made very clear that this is one of the biggest concerns regarding projects which were put in place years ago and seem to be being renigged upon now that Kent has been fired. After all the work he and the SSE put into this succesfull campaign and all he had to say about it in the letter this is the only blurb you give us? The most telling thing about this blurb is this : "The Board does not
intend to change these things about SSE at this time", to me that sounds like "but as soon as all this dies down and you all go back to sleep, bye, bye, twin valleys and cattle, who needs them anyhow."

4. 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.

This entire blurb is nothing more than damage control. "Oh crap, the cats out of the bag that we tried to use member money to buy Kents silence, lets use misdirection and corporate practices to try to make a comparisson with a non profit." Are you really that dumb? Do you think we are?

5. 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.

Really, then maybe you would like to take the time to explain to us why people with conflicts of interests such as Amy Goldman, a book writer using SSE seed collections and resources for her books to further her personal monetary gain and Rob Johnston are on your board of directors?

6. SSE operates only to fulfill its mission, and the Board, which serves without
compensation, has a legal and moral obligation to see that this 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

This statement would seem a lot more believeable if it didn't seem so contrived, Kent obviously gave us instances where the bilaws were raped completly by the new board, what SSE fails to do here is to quote or give us references to those "new" Iowa laws changes to back up what they are trying to say. Why is that? Because they know they have been caught in the act.

7. 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.

Yes, I'm sure you would love to reconcille with Kent, anything to get him to shut his mouth at this point would be terrific for your cause now wouldn't it?


You guys might really want to think about what you have done to this great organization. You are slowly devaluing everything that SSE has worked for the past three decades and Amy Goldmans higher purpose for firing Kent is really showing through in this letter. This letter is entirely transparent and you should all be ashamed of itself for even publishing it.

Now is the time for SSE members to stand up and say something and for those who were on the fence about joining to Join and give the SSE membership a larger voice to scream with.

I really hope Kent seeks legal council against this board.

[lavandulagirl]

I was really hoping they'd address Rolodex-Gate. The non answer in the letter speaks volumes, as Alan said. I understand that they have to be circumspect in their answers to a certain degree, but really. Did they need that many paragraphs to basically say "We're not talking."?