Even casual observers remarked that something “smelled wrong” when after thirty years, National Wild Turkey Federation head Rob Keck. Especially since the abruptly resigned his top slot. The resignation, not coincidentally, some said, came the day after the NWTF board summarily fired of longtime NWTF COO Carl Brown and President Dick Rosenlieb.
In the days that followed, the NWTF Board issued statements that denied any reports of any “rumored financial wrongdoings” on the part of either executive. Despite those protestations, it appears Messrs Brown and Rosenlieb feel differently. They each have filed suit against the NWTF in Common Pleas Court of Edgefield County, South Carolina, home of the NWTF.
The suit alleges their termination was the result of a “well orchestrated smear campaign” involving “lies and defamation”. The men may have filed separate complaints, but both allege their firings were based on accusations made by “unnamed members” of NWTF’s 18 member board.
Rosenlieb’s complaint says the board wrongfully claimed he accepted a free or discounted African safari trip from an outfitter the board did business with – a violation of NWTF rules.
An outside consultant, Brown says, claimed Brown had fraudulently manipulated membership records, with that claim resulting in his dismissal. Brown denied the allegation. But his denial gives a look at the “longstanding and routine practice” of assigning donated memberships to names of expired members.
Those donated memberships result from attendees’ purchases of banquet tickets, each of which comes with an annual membership. When there are multiple tickets, the “donated memberships” are assigned to names of expired members or those who signed up for special youth or disabled sportsmen events.
Those, the Brown complaint states, resulted in a youth membership of more than 225,000 and 20,000 disabled members.
Further the suits allege, efforts to quell membership protests over the firings and resignation included written and verbal statements by NWTF personnel that implied the fired executives remaining would put the very existence of the NWTF at risk.
It was semi-common knowledge in the industry that Keckhad told the board earlier he would “quit” before he’d fire either Brown or Rosenlieb. After their firings, Keck subsequently resigned his position.
In 2005, the last year for which complete numbers were available, Keck was paid $360,765 in salary and retirement plus $57,156 in expenses. Brown, a 28 year NWTF employee, earned $293,858 (plus $23,287 in expenses) and Rosenlieb $173,977, plus $19,384 in expenses. In 2007, the NWTF raised more than $67 million for its programs and operating expenses.
The Brown and Rosenlieb lawsuits seek jury trials, along with unspecified actual and punitive damages.
A lawsuit only represents a single side of an issue. NWTF officials have 30 days to respond to the charges.