Developments in Controversy Surrounding American Academy of Arts and Sciences Chief

Followingup on two previous posts this week, I see that the Boston Globe reports that LeslieBerlowitz, President of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, will betaking some time off by her own choosing (whether or not without pay is notpublicly known) while the Boston law firm of ChoateHall & Stewart looks into her administration.  The story says that Massachusetts AttorneyGeneral Martha Coakley approves of this development:

The announcement was made a day after Massachusetts AttorneyGeneral Martha ­Coakley’s office contacted the board to find out how it washandling questions about ­Berlowitz’s ­resume, compensation, and other issues.

OnMonday, the Globe ­reported that Berlowitz earned total compensation of morethan $598,000 in fiscal 2012, four times the median salary for the directors ofall US nonprofits thatsize, according to a GuideStar USA survey.

Coakley’soffice, which oversees charitable organizations in Massachusetts, also plannedto ask whether the board fully disclosed Berlowitz’s executive perks, such asfirst-class air travel, on its tax forms.

“Weare pleased that the ­executive board has retained ­independent counsel toconduct a full investigation into the questions and concerns that have beenraised,” said Coakley spokesman Brad Puffer. “Our office willcontinue to actively monitor this investigation and further action by the boardto ensure it carries out its fiduciary responsibility.”  

TheGlobe appears to be using this story to air out more than just the facts raisingquestions about Berlowitz’s presentation of her credentials and hercompensation.  The report also details ratherbizarre accounts of how she allegedly has mistreated employees.  Those interested in the specifics can findthem in the story.

JRB