President and CEO Tom Stalf and Executive Vice. “I’m troubled by both the allegations and the lack of transparency here, and this office will get to the bottom of it. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium said two of its top officials have resigned following an internal investigation into the improper use of zoo resources. “Charity may begin at home for an individual, but it’s trouble when an executive for a charitable organization uses company resources for friends and family,” Yost said.

In response to the report, zoo board of directors Chairman Keith Shumate said in a statement to the Dispatch, “”The zoo will be providing preliminary written findings and recommendations to the public.” The Dispatch said that Stalf and Bell “allowed relatives to live in houses owned or controlled by the zoo, and sought zoo tickets for their family members to attend various entertainment events.” Ohio AG David Yost said the investigation was instigated following a report by the Columbus Dispatch alleging that CEO Tom Stalf and former CFO Greg Bell used zoo assets for personal reasons. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.The Ohio Attorney General announced Thursday an investigation into the use of zoo assets by two executives of the Columbus Zoo, one of the nation’s largest zoos. The Columbus Zoo receives levy funds from Franklin County taxpayers, whose county commissioners have called on the zoo to release its internal investigation results publicly. Shumate said a second phase is planned to address broader issues of policy, procedures and practices.

The first phase of work by the selected law firm, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, which focused on the two executives, is complete, The Dispatch reported, citing Board Chairman Alex Shumate. A committee of the board recommended hiring outside counsel to investigate. The newspaper has reported that its questions prompted an internal review by the zoo’s board of directors in March. “I’m troubled by both the allegations and the lack of transparency here, and this office will get to the bottom of it.” “Charity may begin at home for an individual, but it’s trouble when an executive for a charitable organization uses company resources for friends and family,” Yost said in a statement. He stepped out of retirement to take immediate control. The zoo named Director Emeritus Jerry Borin interim president and CEO on Tuesday. We talk with FAA, FERC, NASA, NSF and USPTO about how they plan to make data accessible and trusted while maintaining governance.īoth Stalf and Bell resigned Monday.

The Board of Commissioners is committed to pressing for transparency and looks forward to the release of the results of the Zoo Board’s thorough investigation. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Thursday that an investigation has been opened after recent allegations involving two former executives at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Insight by Tableau: That, say federal data chiefs, is a top priority as they seek to establish data-centric cultures within their agencies. The Franklin County Commissioners continue to be concerned with the recent allegations involving the now-former executives of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Columbus Zoo investigation: More than 630,000 lost due to former officials misuse of resources The zoo says the investigation confirmed that public levy funds, which the zoo receives to care for. The newspaper reported that Stalf, 52, and Bell, 61, allowed relatives to live in houses owned or controlled by the zoo and sought tickets for family members to zoo entertainment events. Yost’s action was prompted by a Columbus Dispatch investigation that uncovered apparent improprieties by Tom Stalf, then president and CEO, and Greg Bell, then chief financial officer. zoos.Īn email to the zoo seeking comment was not immediately returned. Its animal population is ranked second largest among U.S. Republican Attorney General Dave Yost placed his office’s Charitable Law Section in charge of the probe targeting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in the Columbus suburb of Powell. According to a statement from the zoo, President. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio’s top law enforcer placed one of the nation’s largest zoos under investigation Thursday after a newspaper reported misuse of assets by two top executives who later resigned. COLUMBUS (WCMH) An investigation into the improper use of resources has led to the resignation of two leaders of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Columbus zoo investigation