High Museum COO Steps Down Amid $600K Misappropriation Scandal

**High Museum of Art’s Financial Scandal: COO Resigns Amid Alleged Theft**

*Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is currently embroiled in controversy following the discovery of significant financial irregularities linked to its chief operating officer, Brady Lum.*

In December, executives at the High Museum of Art noticed discrepancies within the institution’s finances. This revelation prompted an external investigation by the Woodruff Arts Center, the museum’s parent organization. The investigation uncovered a staggering $600,000 theft, which was traced back to Lum. Amidst this investigation, Lum was placed on administrative leave and subsequently resigned on December 9.

Brady Lum, having assumed the role of COO in 2019, carries an impressive professional background. Previously, he held the president and COO position at Special Olympics International and worked for Coca-Cola. His academic credentials include a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University, obtained in 1993.

Following the investigation’s findings, the case has been presented to the US Attorney’s Office in Atlanta and further shared with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). US Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg confirmed the office’s receipt of the investigation results, relaying the information for review.

Despite the turmoil, the Woodruff Arts Center has assured stakeholders that the museum’s financial stability remains unaffected. The center’s recent tax filings revealed assets exceeding $543.7 million and an annual income of $11.6 million. In response to the incident, they have engaged an independent forensic auditor to enhance and fortify institutional financial processes.

Efforts by the media to contact Lum for comments have been unsuccessful. The High Museum, renowned for its art collections, remains committed to transparency and integrity as they navigate through this challenging period.