Museum Association of New York (MANY) Board Faces Accusations of Discrimination, Governance Violations, and Leadership Purge

ALBANY, N.Y. - Rezul -- The Museum Association of New York (MANY) is facing a governance crisis marked by accusations of discrimination, procedural violations, and an alleged attempt to remove its first Black President, Dr. Georgette Grier-Key. This conflict has resulted in board resignations and a significant loss of diversity within the organization.

Dr. Grier-Key, a respected leader with 14 years of service to MANY, rose to become the organization's first Black woman President. She is also the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Eastville Community Historical Society. During her presidency at MANY, she increased participation in the Long Island region, established a transparent board candidacy process, and guided the organization through a challenging transitional period. Under her leadership, the annual conference returned to pre-COVID attendance, and she fostered the most diverse board in MANY's history. Despite her efforts to navigate a pre-existing financial crisis, Dr. Grier-Key alleges a targeted campaign of intimidation, bullying, and harassment from certain board members, specifically Emily Martz and Becky Wehle (Treasurer and Finance Chair).

Key concerns and allegations include:

• Weaponized Whistleblower Complaint: A whistleblower complaint filed against Dr. Grier-Key on May 21, 2025, is allegedly being used to remove her from her position. Dr. Grier-Key claims that she was denied access to specific details of the accusation, and the subsequent investigation by Emily Martz (Executive Director, Great Camp Sagamore) and Becky Wehle (President & CEO, Genesee Country Village and Museum) was biased, procedurally flawed, and failed to adhere to the organization's Whistleblower Protection Policy.
• Systemic Governance Violations: Dr. Grier-Key's formal complaint details numerous instances where board members allegedly operated outside MANY's bylaws and ethical conduct. These include unilaterally scheduling finance and audit meetings without the President, disregarding proper meeting agendas, making personal attacks, exhibiting hostile behavior, and issuing a "gag warning" to the President. There are also allegations of secret, closed-door meetings that excluded the President and other board members, violating quorum and notice requirements. Concerns were raised about alleged attempts to sabotage public statements and alter meeting notes, conflicting with the Duty of Loyalty. Rob Cassetti, a former President and current committee member, was reportedly aware of the whistleblower policy and participated in undisclosed external meetings, potentially violating fiduciary duties and transparency.
• Racial Discrimination and Lack of Diversity: Dr. Grier-Key alleges that questions during the whistleblower investigation disproportionately focused on "Persons of Color," indicating discriminatory intent. The recent mass resignations of all Black and Brown board members, particularly from the New York City region, highlight a severe loss of diversity and representation. Four board members resigned on July 16, 2025, the same day as an executive session to review recommendations from a whistleblower complaint. Nick Martinez, Vice President and Governance Chair, has resigned, citing actions by board members that are not aligned with the bylaws and a disregard for his role. He disagreed with the recommendation for the President to step down, stating, "We've lost board member after board member not because of lack of commitment to the organization but because of the incessant infighting, finger pointing, and time wasted on an investigation into something that could have been a conversation and didn't need to be this way." Terry Alford also resigned, expressing disappointment with the board's conduct. Another former board member cited "internal friction and a lack of cohesive direction." Three other board members have resigned since the start of the whistleblower campaign, with some noting increased demands and internal strife as contributing factors to their departures.
• Scapegoating Amidst Financial Crisis: The organization has been in a financial crisis since before Dr. Grier-Key's presidency, a situation she has actively worked to address. Dr. Grier-Key asserts that certain board members, particularly Becky Wehle (Treasurer and Finance Chair), are attempting to make her a scapegoat for these long-standing financial challenges, despite the collective responsibility of the board. The Whistleblower Report concluded that the President did not cause the financial crisis.
• Unethical Contract Authorization: An attempt to retroactively authorize a contract signed by Andrea Harden instead of the President via an electronic unanimous consent vote, as revealed by Natalie Stetson and Nick Martinez, indicates a disregard for proper contract authorization protocols and suggests a "cover-up" of prior procedural violations.
• Continued Pressure to Resign from Andrew Saluti: Board member Andrew Saluti actively participated in the campaign to remove Dr. Grier-Key, directly demanding her resignation without providing specific, valid reasons. He cited only a vague "rift between our ED and President," reinforcing the belief that his actions were based on "doctored and false claims" from undisclosed meetings rather than transparent governance.

Dr. Grier-Key is urgently calling for a full and impartial investigation by independent authorities into the Board's actions and encourages stakeholders and the public to demand accountability and transparency from MANY's leadership. She also reserves the right to pursue external remedies. This escalating crisis within MANY not only undermines a vital statewide organization but also exacerbates an already looming crisis for cultural institutions nationwide, particularly impacting efforts toward diversity and equitable leadership.

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