Integrity at Stake: A Museum's Fight Against Financial Misconduct
The Resignation and Initial Allegations
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Atlanta's High Museum of Art has tendered his resignation following an internal investigation that uncovered alleged misappropriation of funds totaling approximately $600,000 over several years. The matter has since been forwarded to federal prosecutors for further action.
Unveiling the Financial Irregularities
Brady Lum, who held the COO position since 2019, resigned on December 9 amidst the ongoing inquiry. On the subsequent Tuesday, the board of the Woodruff Arts Center, the umbrella organization for the High Museum, voted to escalate the case to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia, paving the way for potential criminal proceedings.
Investigation and Legal Referral
Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, confirmed that Lum is suspected of acting alone in diverting funds over a three-to-four-year period. The Woodruff board sanctioned the law firm King & Spalding to formally refer the case to federal authorities. Additionally, the organization engaged the law firm and an independent forensic accountant to conduct a thorough review after initial financial anomalies were detected in early December.
Operational Stability and Pursuit of Restitution
Moddelmog reassured the public that the alleged misconduct would not disrupt the operations of either the High Museum or the Woodruff Arts Center, emphasizing both institutions' continued financial stability. She also stated the organization's firm intention to pursue full restitution for the misappropriated funds.
The Museum's Standing and Financial Landscape
Situated on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta, the High Museum is recognized as the largest visual art museum in the Southeastern United States, operating under the purview of the Woodruff Arts Center, which also encompasses the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre. According to IRS filings, the Woodruff Arts Center reported a revenue of $131.5 million in fiscal year 2024, a significant increase from $99.8 million in the preceding year.
Former COO's Compensation and Donor Notification
Lum commenced his role in February 2019. Fiscal year 2024 saw him receive a compensation of $312,374, positioning him as the fifth-highest-paid employee within the organization. In fiscal year 2023, his earnings were $298,044. Woodruff officials have initiated the process of informing donors about the situation, reiterating that the alleged misconduct was an isolated incident involving a single individua