January 18, 2008

Dear Members and Friends of Seed Savers Exchange

By now some of you have probably received or heard about Kent Whealy’s unfortunate and lengthy letter about the end of his employment with Seed Savers Exchange. SSE acknowledges the resulting confusion and appreciates the expressions of support it has received. Kent's letter has many inaccuracies, half-truths, and omissions. We cannot and will not comment on everything, as it would not be in the best interests of SSE to publicly reveal, discuss, or debate confidential internal personnel matters. However, the Board wants to correct a few of the most misleading points that were made in Kent’s letter so that you can better understand the history and the Board’s position.

First and foremost, we want to assure you that SSE is in excellent shape and is moving forward to achieve its important mission. SSE retained Phillips Oppenheim Group to conduct a national search for a new President/Executive Director in November 2007. In the interim, there is continuity of leadership at SSE. Diane Ott Whealy (co-founder and Vice President of Education), Aaron Whaley (Vice President of Sales), and Matt Barthel (Vice President of Gardens & Collections) remain in key roles and continue to bring their expertise to SSE. Staff have redoubled their efforts for SSE.

Kent’s letter, by its tone and content, demonstrates that his relationship with the Board had deteriorated beyond repair by the time of his departure. This did not happen overnight, nor was it based on a single incident. The Board's unanimous decision to terminate Kent's employment at the end of October 2007 was the culmination of years of fundamental problems with Kent's performance, management, judgment, and conduct. The Board’s attempts to address and correct these problems with Kent were unsuccessful and matters only worsened. Kent mentions a few of these problems specifically, but provides only part of those stories. Just one of the incidents in this series of problems is the “shed” referenced in Kent’s letter. This is actually a 5000 square foot building that Kent ordered constructed at an estimated cost of $70,000. This was done without Board consideration or approval of the project, despite direction that this was required. This building has not been completed. The $70,000 Kent obtained for it, via a special anonymous donation, was insufficient, and the Board is now considering options and alternatives for the building. In summary, the ultimate decision to terminate Kent’s employment was not without warning; it was not unforeseen, capricious, or malicious. It was difficult and heart-wrenching, but inescapable.

Regarding Twin Valleys, the Board reiterates that this farm is an important and significant part of Seed Savers Exchange. The Ancient White Park Cattle that graze on Twin Valleys and Heritage Farm have become part of SSE, too. The Board does not intend to change these things about SSE at this time.

To recognize Kent's legacy and service to SSE, and to ease his transition from SSE employment, the Board offered an arrangement that would have allowed for an amicable parting. Such agreements are not uncommon when a long-term employee leaves an organization, and they normally include provisions to prevent negative comments, to protect organizational records and property, and to insure confidentiality of the terms of the agreement. Negotiations were ultimately unsuccessful. Regardless, SSE has a legal and professional obligation to maintain confidentiality of personnel matters and respect the privacy of others. We will continue to do so for Kent by not releasing details of his employment. Kent was not asked to remain silent about his employment at SSE. In his letter, Kent chose to reveal his own personal information, which he may do.

SSE has always had a self-perpetuating board that operates under Iowa laws governing not-for-profit corporations. A not-for-profit corporation cannot be taken over by private or individual interests. The law obligates Board members of a not-for-profit corporation to act in the best interests of the organization, even if that may not coincide with the interests or desires of any particular individual, including a co-founder.

SSE operates only to fulfill its mission, and the Board, which serves without compensation, has a legal and moral obligation to see that this is accomplished. Kent voluntarily stepped down from the SSE Board back in September 2006, as part of a remedy for issues that had arisen. SSE's 2001 By-Laws were revised in November 2007 to bring them into compliance with recent changes to Iowa law. The November 2007 By-Law revision did not change the status of our members or Advisors. Advisors and members are important groups, but neither have ever had voting rights at SSE.

SSE has and will properly honor Kent's great contributions to the organization and we hope to reconcile with him someday. In the meantime, the importance of our collective work, and loyalty to the cause, must transcend any individual, personal, or personnel issues. We hope we can count on you to continue to support Seed Savers Exchange as we go forward as a vital and growing organization.

Sincerely,