BlogBack: The Getty Replies to "Latest Shockers"

Let me address the issues you raise in your latest blog:

1) Information contained in the report prepared for the Board's Special Committee by outside counsel is confidential and will remain so. I don't know a Board in existence that can get its job done without the ability to review sensitive information with the expectation that it will remain confidential. That said, respectful of attorney client privilege, we have been completely candid and responsive to the California Attorney General, whose investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to work cooperatively with the AG until its investigation is complete. We are hopeful their report will be issued soon.

2) We issued a release in April when the Council on Foundations removed the Getty Trust from probation that detailed a substantial number of policy and procedural changes made by the Board to improve our governance. If you didn't get the release, I apologize, but if you did I would hope you would let your readers know that strong and decisive actions have been taken. I've attached the release, but it and others we've issued dealing with governance issues and antiquities are openly available on our website in our Press Room.

3) We have a very strong Board. A Board that is deeply committed to the financial security of the Getty and insuring that the Getty's mission is fulfilled. We have an interim CEO [Deborah Marrow, director of the Getty Foundation] who is providing strong leadership, and who has moved to improve internal communications, openness and transparency. If you have not looked at our governance website, which is highly transparent, please do so. Board resumes can be found there, detailed financial information is found there, and the responsibilities of each of the committees are clearly listed in the committee charters.

Lee, if additional issues that need attention or correction surface at the Getty, they will be dealt with. I would hope, rather than joining those who for whatever reason feel it necessary to continue thrashing the Getty, you might be interested in helping your readers to understand the Getty has moved on. Sure, keep us honest by asking questions about the progress we are making, but also keep the issues we are dealing with in perspective against the backdrop of incredible work that is being done by the Getty's four programs.