May 21, 2009
Charity Official Resigns Amid Charges of Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
By Nicole Wallace
Janet K. Ginn has stepped down from her position as president and chief executive of the Heifer Foundation, in Little Rock, Ark., amid allegations of copyright infringement and plagiarism.
The Heifer Foundation grew out of Heifer International, an international-aid organization, also in Little Rock. A legally separate organization, it was founded in 1990 to manage the charity’s endowment and planned gifts.
The Heifer Foundation says that Ms. Ginn and the foundation’s Board of Trustees “mutually agreed” that she should leave her position and that the decision followed an investigation conducted by the board and outside legal counsel.
“As a leading global philanthropic organization, Heifer Foundation must conduct itself with the utmost integrity,” Ronald H. McLean, chairman of the foundation’s board, said in a written statement. “Whether true or not, we cannot allow allegations of improper conduct to distract from the life-changing work of the Heifer organization, our people, and our generous donors.”
Ardyth Neill, the organization’s chief financial officer, has been appointed acting president and chief executive officer.
The organization did not provide any additional details about the allegations.
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I have no information one way or the other but Ronald H. McLean’s comment “whether true or not”, especially with no details provided, makes it sound like anyone can drum up any charge against someone working for Heifer Foundation and cost them their livlihood.
— Lorri M. Greif, CFRE May 22, 03:19 PM #
This doesn’t make sense with the information provided so far. Who would want to work or give to an organization that doesn’t seem to provide the proper amount of nurture and support to its own people.
— Austin DePaolo May 22, 05:02 PM #
Sounds like there is no such thing as innocent until proven guilty at the Heifer Foundation.
— Patricia Perez May 22, 05:03 PM #
Most likely there is more evidence, but this helps avoid future lawsuits, such as defamation of character.
— Thomas Pitt, Ph.D. May 22, 05:58 PM #
Lorri M. Greif, CFRE makes a very important point in her 05/22/2009 posting. As a victim of a false or mistaken allegation, of which I am cleared by the judicial system, I can tell you that once you are accused and no one is willing to presume you innocent until proven guilty, you are scarred for life! Mr. McLean and the trustees appear to be dumping Ms. Ginn, rather than give her an opportunity to refute the allegation. It certainly does not reflect well on Heifer International to give the appearance of being unsupportive of the staff, who make the organization work.
Thomas E. Brandlin, MNA
— Thomas E. Brandlin, MNA May 23, 08:35 AM #
If they hoped to stave off criticism and to avoid contamination of their brand by eliminating the person accused of the misdeed, it doesn’t seem to be working. Not working with Ms. Ginn to make a clear and honest statement about the issue does reflect badly on the organization and leads to more speculation of an unfavorable sort. I don’t think they handled this one very well, and without facts, sympathy and identification goes to Ms. Ginn instead. We have all had the experience of being maligned, and under those circumstances, would hope for more understanding and support from such a powerful agency.
— Susan Daily CFRE May 26, 07:18 AM #
Until proven guilty using fair procedures, this sounds like a lot of bull to me. JJF
— james fishman May 26, 07:26 AM #
Wow, what a way to go! It sounds like they have little to go on except accusations. When you make the accusation public it follows that the proof should be public before you ruin someone’s reputation. Otherwise it looks like potlitcs not wrong-doing on her part. I used to have great respect for this organization.
— andra May 26, 01:11 PM #
Wow, I guess we can be glad we have moved away from tarring and feathering!
— lee mason May 27, 03:13 PM #
Heifer Foundation needs to learn that charity begins at home. What a hatchet job on someone that loves this organization and with grace would not do anything to hurt it.It seems that they are only interested in keeping money coming in.
Mr. McLean has lost us.
— rita May 28, 10:22 PM #
Who ARE you people?! Fer chri-petes, someone at the level of Pres/CEO of a major foundation would know whether the facts that were presented would probably go against her in court to justify a mutual separation. It was no simple threat or empty accusation – that simply can’t lead to a termination under most state law that would survive in court. Whatever it was, it was enough for her to make a rational choice to leave and not suffer the public humiliation of the proof coming out. Think before you post, please.
— FM Jun 3, 06:42 PM #