The High Museum of Art in Atlanta has announced the resignation of its Chief Operating Officer, Brady Lum, following an internal investigation into the alleged misappropriation of approximately $600,000 over several years. The case has been referred to federal prosecutors for further examination.
Brady Lum, who held the COO position since 2019, stepped down on December 9 as the inquiry progressed. The Woodruff Arts Center's board, which oversees the museum, has decided to forward the findings to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia, potentially paving the way for criminal charges.
Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, indicated that Lum is believed to have acted independently in this matter, which reportedly unfolded over three to four years. The organization has engaged the Atlanta law firm King & Spalding to assist in the referral and has also enlisted an independent forensic accountant to conduct a thorough review of the financial discrepancies discovered earlier this month.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Moddelmog assured that the High Museum and the Woodruff Arts Center will continue their operations without interruption, maintaining their financial stability. The organization is committed to pursuing restitution for the alleged misappropriated funds.
Located on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta, the High Museum is recognized as the largest visual arts museum in the Southeast. It operates under the Woodruff Arts Center, which also manages the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Alliance Theatre. According to IRS filings for fiscal year 2024, the Woodruff reported a revenue of $131.5 million, an increase from $99.8 million in the previous year.
Brady Lum was recruited in February 2019 and was among the top earners at the organization, with a reported salary of $312,374 in fiscal year 2024, ranking as the fifth-highest-paid employee. In fiscal year 2023, his earnings were noted at $298,044.
Officials from the Woodruff Arts Center have begun to inform donors about the situation, emphasizing that the alleged financial misconduct involved only one individual.
