MusicManNJ

Scott is a first class individual and is a first class selection to guide the organization into the next era. While there is still much work to be done... it appears the dark clouds are now giving way to give us glimpse of the promise the future holds for Cadets and YEA. The new board, on the job for exactly one month today, have certainly being executing at a very high level.

I guess you know the answer to that question now. No snark inferred!

From a centipede...

Look for some major announcements about the show theme and Director today!

Notice the "G" is missing... wondering if the arrow G made famous in the 80s as part of the "Beyond Tradition" era might make its way back (of course it stood for Garfield but who knows)!

This!

Indeed! Actually... and excellent choice!

Expect an announcement shortly on the new director of the Cadets. This will be another important sign of the progress being made by the entire organization.

The issue that was raised is that a victim reported some "inappropriate" communication. The interim CEO vehemently denies it. It is currently under investigation. Once the investigation concluded we will all know where this one stands. That is exactly what the investigators are looking at. Several have not been discussed publicly because the victims wish to remain anonymous. The investigators will get to the bottom of everything and then YEA will report what has been learned and take whatever action is appropriate as a result.

There are certain victims, who are now public, who had contacted board members prior to January (within a 12 month period). There are other individual victim reports (not public) that go back a few years. To tie it into the topic of this thread... these are issues the investigators will be looking at over the coming months. What happened, what was reported, to whom was it reported, what action(s) were or were not taken. This will all inform what, if any, personal liability that may exist as well as organizational policies and procedures to put into place. As an example, you may recall from the mingusmonk thread (probably about 200 pages in) the interim CEO was suspended pending an investigation into allegations of an incident report that was not followed up on. I do not know if the report is true or not (i personally hope it is not) but the investigation will make that determination. There are dozens of other threads investigators will pull on to see what actually happened so this never happens again.

And actually... they were made aware BEFORE January. So the lack of action could make them complicit.

And tremendous outpouring from the alumni. Many of whom have felt unwelcome over the years. The welcome mat being laid out has many alums ready, willing and able to help.

Absolutely incredible. I have likened this to one of the most challenging transitions ever faced by ANY non-profit. Doug and his team have handled this with great aplomb. May they continue to succeed in their quest to make YEA and their programs - and their stated mission to serve the many program participants - even greater than before.

They had outsourced marketing. They had internal social media. Development person did some double duty with communications. The whole org needs to be restructured since it was largely driven by one person with other folks who were not really empowered to do their jobs. The new board, by necessity, has empowered the staff to take on and execute more than ever before. It is a step in the right direction... but still need to fill some key seats. The board is acting as an executive committee overseeing operations until they have the key leaders in place. It seems to be working OK so they are not forced into making rushed decisions. It is more important right now that they are right about the decisions and not fast (although time is not a friend with Cadets prepping for spring training and C2 now going every weekend to get ready for the DCA season). USBands seems to be in the best shape right now (with a director in charge).

Not yet... they have a firm working on the larger communications issues. Not fielding every fan request. I completely agree that the prior YEA board was rubber stamps (as yo describe at PSU) greater transparency and accountability is important. My issues is.. if the issue is not relevant to the priorities at hadn't... maybe it can wait while they get the organization put together and all the people in the proper seats. You assume they have an internal comms person. They do not. Nor have they announced directors for Cadets or C2 or even a CEO for YEA. Give them a chance to get the key pieces in place and then start asking more of the interesting but not mission critical questions at the time. Just one persons opinion.

I did not say the board should NEVER be questioned on anything. To the contrary. They should. And I think the PSU comparison belongs with the old board... not the new one. It is the fact that the old board never answered any questions that led them to where they are today. My point remains... is this the best use of their time given everything going on in the organization? There is a lot they are juggling. Is it not the question being asked... it is the timing. Should we all start asking all DCI boards about every detail regarding every decision they make? Programing, staff choice, who selected the board, etc. And do we ask the questions in throws of any one of them fighting for survival? Now, you and I may not agree on this... and that is OK. Just my point of view.

Again... missing the point. The questions for the Penn State board were directed at the board who had oversight during the problems. The questions here are for a new board who has been in place for 3 weeks trying to the save the organization and not responsible for the conditions they were left with. People are free to question whom ever you want. Is this really the type of question that need to be fielded now? The original question was answered in here in detail. The new group is clearly committed to transparency but it is also incumbent (in my opinion) on supporters and fans to not demand answers for every bit of minutia. They are trying to put humpty dumpty back together again and I for one am grateful to the five new board members who ran toward the fire when everyone else was going the other way. They have been legitimately seated based on the bylaws of the organization... let's focus on more important issues or better yet try to lend a helping hand or donate to the rebuilding.

I understand your point and agree. At the same time it would be helpful if people were not forcing THIER agenda on the organization with issues that are really not that important in the grand scheme of things. Of course he will respond. It would be helpful if people would put the organization's interest ahead of their own agendas for the time being while they get everything stabilized. Anyone has a right to ask questions and send emails... but is this really helpful right now. Probably not (again... one persons opinion).

It was, IMHO, a snark worthy response. Demanding to know every bit of minute detail is a waste of precious time. Just like all the self proclaimed experts coming out of the woodwork to tell YEA what they need to do. My favorite is one from someone who wanted the Cadets to fly them out from where he lived so he could speak to the corps about sexual abuse and also tell them about their important history... what for it... without ever being involved with the corps (no a member, staff, admin). All the crazies are coming out of the wood work. My point to rpbobcat was this is not the most important thing they have to address right now. Happy Mr. Rutherford responded (cause that is the type of guy he is). But is this really at the top of the list of things he needs to be dealing right now? Probably not. Just suggesting folks cut them some slack to focus on the important issues at hand and to George Dixon's point let their actions speak for themselves.

This was explained in my original post above It is what Mr. Rutherford has been sharing with sponsors, DCI and others the organization is accountable to. Certainly a very valuable use of his precious time right now trying to save the organization... answering your questions.

Garfield Cadets Rocky Point Holiday 1983... rehearsed at 210.

This is exactly the process that was used. In addition, the people who made up the 5 new board members were recruited because of different skill sets important to the organization moving forward: Non-profit Governance, HR and appropriate HR policies and oversight, Sponsorships, The scholastic community (USBANDS/Corps/Parents), and and understanding of corps management/alumni/historical connections. The five areas are represented by each one of the new board members. This group also received the blessing of DCI before being seated... not that DCI has any official capacity to provide approval but as the sanctioning body DCI plays an important role in how the organization moves forward. Having a board in place without DCI's support (such as the situation with the old board) would have seen the Cadets sidelined for the 2018 season. This is a temporary board as the put a proper governance structure in place and take the time to identify and vet longer term board members for the future (which this new board has the authority to do). I believe the new board was focused on a 6 month transition.

He was actually fired for cause by the new board of directors. No severance. No nothing. He may sue as you state. However, this may not be the best use of what has to be limited resources at his disposal at this time given the preponderance of evidence against him along with the push by DCI and sponsors for a complete housecleaning.

THANK YOU Terri! That is a handy trick!

The ONLY time this would occur from a communications stand point was if there was something of concern. This is what I know based on the communications professionals who work for me and are experts in the area of iris communications. That said... given the way this reporter handled the first story regarding Dan and DCI (using very loosely sourced third party information) I can understand DCI wanting to be cautious. But again... this just looks bad. This is not about whose right or wrong but how things will be perceived.