Brady Lum, the former Chief Operating Officer of Atlanta's High Museum of Art, has pleaded not guilty to federal theft charges related to allegations of misappropriating funds from the museum.
In December, Lum resigned following an internal investigation that revealed he allegedly misappropriated approximately $600,000 over several years. The museum subsequently referred the case to federal authorities.
During his arraignment in federal court in Atlanta, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia accused Lum of manipulating financial records and approving unauthorized purchases for personal gain. These included high-end musical instruments and private lessons.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, "While entrusted to run the High Museum, Lum allegedly used the museum's money as his personal slush fund and thereby betrayed one of Atlanta's civic crown jewels. Our office will move with swift precision to prosecute individuals who abuse positions of power and trust to enrich themselves at the expense of non-profit institutions."
According to the indictment, Lum disguised his unauthorized expenditures by submitting altered invoices and used his authority to approve expenses while making accounting adjustments to spread these costs across various budget areas.
During the hearing, Lum mentioned he is currently unemployed and has been instructed to seek work while on bond. His attorney, Don Samuel, remarked that Lum had no further comments regarding the case.
The charges stem from an internal investigation initiated by the Woodruff Arts Center, which oversees the High Museum along with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre. Following the discovery of financial irregularities, the board voted in February to refer the matter to federal prosecutors.
Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, previously indicated that the organization believes Lum acted independently and assured that the alleged theft would not disrupt museum operations, noting that the High Museum remains financially sound.
Lum served as COO from January 2019 until his resignation in December 2025, earning $312,374 in the fiscal year 2024, making him the fifth-highest-paid employee of the organization.
The High Museum, located on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, is the largest visual arts museum in the Southeast. A trial date for Lum has yet to be established.