INVESTIGATE UNETHICAL ACTIVITY OF THE PRESIDENT

RE: INVESTIGATE UNETHICAL ACTIVITY OF THE PRESIDENT

It is important to write this formal letter to the Board to be aware that real conflict of interest exists at the workplace. The members of the Board have allowed the President, to “indirectly” operate a cleaning/maintenance business alongside his fiancé. This conflict of interest reflects adversely upon the President, regardless of the actual facts or motivations. His decision to hire his fiance’s  cleaning services placed him in a self-dealing opportunity where he has been able to financially or materially gain from it. This is a non-for-profit organization which serves the community.

They are aware that there is pressure from the organization so we believe under they are trying to operate under a different alias.

We understand that the Board’s exposure to the organization is limited, but we have several concerns that need to be addressed, yet have no one to turn to. You are not aware that soon after or around the time the supervisor of maintenance was laid off, his fiance changed her company name from cleaning to reflect maintenance. Not only is she billing $400,000 annually, she received free contractor training offered through our organization, which receives grant money.

Another concern is that the Board granted the President a very attractive raise last year. We are in financial strain, how was that allowed during a time when several employees have lost their jobs? We were promised raises but didn’t’ received them. In addition to the cleaning operations, are you aware that she was offered a role to teach as a consultant? Recently, many employees have seen her meet regularly with the Director of training. These frequent meetings have led us to believe that his fiance is being coached/trained so that she can receive a full time consulting position. 

On a few occasions, employees have seen the maintenance crew work at their private residence during work hours. Furthermore, she has told employees that they are investing in a wine business. This would not be any of our business if it weren’t for the fact that they are suddenly making significant changes in both of their lives during a period of financial distress at the institution. 

Consistent with his duty to the College, the President should have avoided placing himself in a situation where his personal interest may conflict, or appear to conflict, with the best interests of the College.

Conflict of interest include situations where the President’s private affairs or financial interests are in conflict with his duties and responsibilities or result in a perception that a conflict exists. Where a President’s actions compromise or undermine the trust of the College.

We no longer trust him nor trust some of the Cabinet members. We have reasons to believe that the financial statements are being manipulated and that they don’t reflect the entire truth. 

We hope that the Board puts an end to this abuse immediately and start paying very close attention to how our finances are being managed at our institution. If he doesn’t end his fiance’s contract, we will have no choice but to seek outside legal counsel.