Coin World publishes Larry Shepherd's answer to ANA's actions.
jesbroken
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This morning, Beth Deisher of Coin World staff, published a column regarding ANA's announcement of Larry Shepherd's ANA employment ending and offered a one paragraph statement by Larry as to his tenure while at ANA. Very interesting read. Take it as you will.
Jim
Coin World
Jim
Coin World
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
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I am proud of what was accomplished during my three-plus years of employment at the American Numismatic Association.
I worked diligently to restore soundness and trust; and to move the ANA forward and to bring it up to date with modern times, changing member preferences, and current technology. I saw the need for vision and forward thinking leadership, to adjust the ANA to the evolution of the hobby, and I tried to provide that. I employed new staff and implemented new ideas and initiatives to prepare the ANA for the future.
I emphasized the need to attract new members with a broader range of ages and collecting preferences. I recognized the serious challenges that lie ahead, and realized that they would not be met by looking backwards or just re-employing the policies of the past. I challenged the Board and the ANA staff to do the same; to view the future by looking forward, rather than through a rear view mirror. I realize that many people are resistant to or fearful of change, but with an aging and dwindling membership base we could not (and can not, going forward) afford to keep our head in the sand. I knew that my forward thinking policies and efforts to force the existing staff and the Board to deal with uncomfortable strategic issues might create some [dissension] and/or enemies, but I did what I thought was best for the long term-benefit of the entire ANA community, not just the vocal minority.
Following this philosophy I pushed hard for results and accomplished them. Over the past 18 months we made great strides in upgrading the quality of our magazine, thanks largely to Barbara Gregory and her terrific staff. We greatly improved communications with our members, and emphasized transparency through magazine articles, mailings and emails. Through the efforts of RyAnne Scott, my goal of becoming more active in social networking and introducing innovative programs to appeal to members of all ages was achieved. We worked hard to increase the exposure and improve the quality of Summer Seminar, to provide top-flight and affordable education to all our members.
I created the Museum Showcase to bring the educational benefits of our museum to our convention attendees. I viewed [upgrading] our conventions and bourse activities as key components of our overall marketing strategy to promote the hobby. In response we produced the largest, and perhaps most successful and acclaimed convention and coin show in the ANA’s history. Despite the obvious negative reference to that in the ANA’s press release, I am very pleased with that.
I have received enormous praise and appreciation from the members and the dealer community for the job I have done. I believe I achieved for the ANA member and dealer community what the ANA hired me to do, and I will always be proud of that fact.
During my tenure at the ANA I have not violated the ANA employee handbook, or the code of ethics as stated in the ANA bylaws. I did not violate any provisions of the ANA conflict of interest policy. I did not violate federal EEOC anti-discrimination or harassment guidelines (sexual, age, race, etc.).
I offered to the general counsel that I would take a polygraph to clear up any issues or concerns that may have arisen due to unfounded rumors and innuendo, but I sensed they were more interested in finding a cause than in finding facts, as evidenced by my being told on Aug. 20 that I would not be coming back, even before the outside investigation took place.
I want to thank everyone in the ANA community for the tremendous outpouring of support and encouragement I received during this trying period. I especially appreciate the courageous ANA staff members who contacted me from their homes or who expressed their feelings to the numismatic media. These actions have meant a lot to me.
The name is LEE!
It is indesputable that his tenure as Executive Director of the ANA was a rousing success. It is a shame for Mr. Shepherd, the ANA, and all of us in the coin community that it has ended like this.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>I still don't know why all 9 ANA governors felt it necessary to fire Larry. >>
That doesn't surprise me in the least. There are many reasons I can think of without breaking a sweat. MJ
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Mr. Shepherd makes it sound as if the King and his Court Jesters did not like the way
the Prince was taking the Kingdon into a Future. I guess it's back to the Dungeons
for the Subjects of the Crown, Long Live The King.
Progressive thinking has always stonewalled good, well intentioned people. Sad state of affairs for the ANA.
"Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
<< <i>
<< <i>I still don't know why all 9 ANA governors felt it necessary to fire Larry. >>
That doesn't surprise me in the least. There are many reasons I can think of without breaking a sweat. MJ >>
Me too. The problem that I am having is that, given Mr. Shepherd's response and if true, I can no longer think of [m]any legitimate ones.
Tom
<< <i>
<< <i>I still don't know why all 9 ANA governors felt it necessary to fire Larry. >>
That doesn't surprise me in the least. There are many reasons I can think of without breaking a sweat. MJ >>
Can you share a few reasons with us?
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I still don't know why all 9 ANA governors felt it necessary to fire Larry. >>
That doesn't surprise me in the least. There are many reasons I can think of without breaking a sweat. MJ >>
Me too. The problem that I am having is that, given Mr. Shepherd's response and if true, I can no longer think of [m]any legitimate ones. >>
Yes.
If it wasn't a 9-0 vote the board would not look unified. In a case like this unification is paramount. The board was smart enough to know that there would be a firestorm of negative publicity over his dismissal. It really had to be 9-0.
The board of Governors all were fed the same information. It is logical that they would all come up with the same conclusion right, wrong or indifferent.
So I wonder how the one on one meetings each board member had with Larry went? Surely they each sat down with him on such an important matter. Maybe Greg L can tell us how his one on one with Larry went.
It is reasonable for one to draw the conclusion that Larry's dismissal was politically motivated. If that is indeed the case I don't need to tell you that "things" tend to take on a life of there own coming under the guise of "fact or truth" once set in motion.
Facts ,logic, common sense, spin and tilt. Know the difference.
MJ
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Larry, if you're reading this......I'm reasonably confident you have the support of the majority of ANA members. Endorse a slate of candidates in the next election and let us throw out anyone you don't endorse who is on the current Board!
Very bad indeed.
Coin Rarities Online
<< <i>With his detailed press release and Larry's offer to take a polygraph, it makes the ANA and the board's actions look bad.
Very bad indeed. >>
Yes. Yes, it does.
Including Larry's public statement that "I sensed they were more interested in finding a cause than in finding facts, as evidenced by my being told on Aug. 20 that I would not be coming back, even before the outside investigation took place."
He even offered to take a lie detector test. BWAHAHAHAHA, I can hear the Board now "it's not admissable...."
The tide of public opinion will very quickly now turn in Larry's favor.
I can picture the conference calls that the B. of D. will be having now. They've earned their sweat, IMHO.
I offered to the general counsel that I would take a polygraph to clear up any issues or concerns that may have arisen due to unfounded rumors and innuendo, but I sensed they were more interested in finding a cause than in finding facts, as evidenced by my being told on Aug. 20 that I would not be coming back, even before the outside investigation took place."
Does this look like a Railroad?
The name is LEE!
ANA - your turn.
<< <i>With his detailed press release and Larry's offer to take a polygraph, it makes the ANA and the board's actions look bad.
Very bad indeed. >>
Polygraph tests are inadmissible in courts due to their lack of reliability. Often the skill of
the operator is brought into question, but the simple fact of the matter is that offering (or
declining) to take a polygraph test proves nothing.
<< <i>It's always easy to rush to judgement when only one side of the story has been told.
ANA - your turn.
Exactly, just one side of the story so far. Along with the various rumors floating around about the real reason for the termination... I doubt the other parties involved with have a similar statement prepared though.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
<< <i>
<< <i>With his detailed press release and Larry's offer to take a polygraph, it makes the ANA and the board's actions look bad.
Very bad indeed. >>
Yes. Yes, it does.
Including Larry's public statement that "I sensed they were more interested in finding a cause than in finding facts, as evidenced by my being told on Aug. 20 that I would not be coming back, even before the outside investigation took place." >>
Well, that's likely in the ANA employee handbook! And to avoid spending a lot of time, bad publicity and money........it's, your fired!
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
<< <i>
<< <i>With his detailed press release and Larry's offer to take a polygraph, it makes the ANA and the board's actions look bad.
Very bad indeed. >>
Polygraph tests are inadmissible in courts due to their lack of reliability. Often the skill of
the operator is brought into question, but the simple fact of the matter is that offering (or
declining) to take a polygraph test proves nothing. >>
I am certain you are correct about the courtroom. But the offer does hold some sway in the court of public opinion.
It doesn't appear that Mr. Shepherd is running away and hiding from whatever transgression he has been accused of.
I expect this topic will be around for quite a long time.
Coin Rarities Online
It was really nice to get some more concrete detail on what happened!
Time to purge the Governors, if they can't make a fair, impartial decision, open to all members. What exactly are they hiding?
It is our business! Don't let anyone try to convince you it isn't!!
I don't suppose the board will respond to Larry's statements, much as I'd love to hear from them. The polygraph offer is an interesting one because it appears the issues are not about performance or direction, and friends and enemies, but instead about matters over truths and lies.
Lance.
Yes the gossip posse will be bitterly dissapointed but there is no need for Larry or the ANA to divulge any more details than what has been stated so far. Doing so would serve no other purpose than to feed speculation.
The bottom line is at least two ANA employees have been terminated and this is not a distraction the organization nor its staff needs.
As for polygraph tests, they are essentially irrelevant. It is easy to volunteer to take one in hindsight when you haven't actually taken one and know you won't be taking one anytime soon.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
<< <i>I am relieved to see Larry issue a statement adressing the situation without getting into tawdry details.
Yes the gossip posse will be bitterly dissapointed but there is no need for Larry or the ANA to divulge any more details than what has been stated so far. Doing so would serve no other purpose than to feed speculation.
The bottom line is at least two ANA employees have been terminated and this is not a distraction the organization nor its staff needs.
As for polygraph tests, they are essentially irrelevant. It is easy to volunteer to take one in hindsight when you haven't actually taken one and know you won't be taking one anytime soon. >>
I'm sorry but details might answer the question of "Exactly what in the heck is going here?"
It sounds as if there is a "difference" of opinion over policy (rules) on what may be permissable and what might not be permissable and in leiu of arguing or discussing the latter, the choice was simply made to dismiss.
As a paying member, I really, really, would like to know what in the heck is going on and, in a sense, not get "dismissed" myself with the implication that I do not have a need to know what the Board of Governors are doing.
The name is LEE!
I have mixed feelings about being a member, but have supported them mostly because of the work that's been done to further the hobby amongst YN's, more than anything. As Larry said in his statement, things must change to continue to draw younger people into the hobby as our membership ages.
I have not approved at all how the governors have acted in this matter, as well as things that have happened in the past. I thought a good clean sweep of governors would've helped this, but I was wrong. This is a good man who has done more for the hobby in the last 3 years than I've seen anyone do in the last 20.
After the show is over, they'll be receiving my membership cancellation in the mail. I do not wish to be associated with this group. I don't share their beliefs or their morals, and will not sit by and watch it happen without protest, as small a fish in the pond as I am.
Marlene
<< <i>... at least two ANA employees have been terminated ... >>
Who is the second? I am only aware of Larry's dismissal.
What did I miss?
<< <i>Just curious; what is the geographical location of the nine members of the board of directors? >>
Funny you should ask that
Colorado
California
Minnesota
Georgia
Kentucky
Missouri
Wisconsin
Conn.
Indiana
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
<< <i>
<< <i>I am relieved to see Larry issue a statement adressing the situation without getting into tawdry details.
Yes the gossip posse will be bitterly dissapointed but there is no need for Larry or the ANA to divulge any more details than what has been stated so far. Doing so would serve no other purpose than to feed speculation.
The bottom line is at least two ANA employees have been terminated and this is not a distraction the organization nor its staff needs.
As for polygraph tests, they are essentially irrelevant. It is easy to volunteer to take one in hindsight when you haven't actually taken one and know you won't be taking one anytime soon. >>
I'm sorry but details might answer the question of "Exactly what in the heck is going here?"
It sounds as if there is a "difference" of opinion over policy (rules) on what may be permissable and what might not be permissable and in leiu of arguing or discussing the latter, the choice was simply made to dismiss.
As a paying member, I really, really, would like to know what in the heck is going on and, in a sense, not get "dismissed" myself with the implication that I do not have a need to know what the Board of Governors are doing. >>
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>
<< <i>... at least two ANA employees have been terminated ... >>
Who is the second? I am only aware of Larry's dismissal.
What did I miss?
His predecessor was also fired.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
It sounds as if the ANA Board of Governors, for whatever reasons, feel like they are not reponsible for reporting to the folks that actually elected them (to that position) on the actions they take and why they take those actions.
If I recall correctly, this is the same thing which happened before. Closed Door meetings, firings, lawsuits.
What the heck is going on? Does the ANA feel ANY responsibility toward it paying members?
I guess if stuff like this continues, they'll just be left with their life members and their Congressional Charter.
Count me as confused and concerned.
The name is LEE!
Larry L.
<< <i>I await the ANA's response. If none is forthcoming, I will cease to be a member when my membership runs out.
Larry L.
Avoid the rush and cancel now. You are NOT going to be getting a detailed response that leaves you satisfied. The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Board, it's really that simple. This is the Board that the current membership elected to run the organization. Don't like it? Run for the Board yourself or support a candidate that will change the bylaws. At least you can then have the Board you want ... for 2 years.
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
As for polygraph tests, they are essentially irrelevant. It is easy to volunteer to take one in hindsight when you haven't actually taken one and know you won't be taking one anytime soon.[/
I had the same above thought.
NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!
RIP "BEAR"
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>... at least two ANA employees have been terminated ... >>
Who is the second? I am only aware of Larry's dismissal.
What did I miss?
His predecessor was also fired. >>
Gotcha.
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
<< <i>Having never met the man I now hope more than ever to do so one day. He sounds like a very focused and honest person who I truly hope to do business with. Even though it's pretty obvious now he was cheated out of an opportunity, he is certainly coming out on top and will be the better for it.
It was really nice to get some more concrete detail on what happened! >>
Without ever meeting the guy or having any dealings with him how in the world can you make these comments?
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.
<< <i>
<< <i>Having never met the man I now hope more than ever to do so one day. He sounds like a very focused and honest person who I truly hope to do business with. Even though it's pretty obvious now he was cheated out of an opportunity, he is certainly coming out on top and will be the better for it.
It was really nice to get some more concrete detail on what happened! >>
Without ever meeting the guy or having any dealings with him how in the world can you make these comments? >>
Simple. Many of us have never met the President of the USA, but most make comments about him anyway.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Having never met the man I now hope more than ever to do so one day. He sounds like a very focused and honest person who I truly hope to do business with. Even though it's pretty obvious now he was cheated out of an opportunity, he is certainly coming out on top and will be the better for it.
It was really nice to get some more concrete detail on what happened! >>
Without ever meeting the guy or having any dealings with him how in the world can you make these comments? >>
Simple. Many of us have never met the President of the USA, but most make comments about him anyway. >>
Just because people make comments about the President it doesn't make them accurate. If the President was impeached I wouldn't go as far to say he was cheated, how he will come out on top and be better for it. I doubt he would feel so good about it just as I suppose Larry doesn't.
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.