Communication and Transparency Are Much More Important Than Fonzie’s Leather Jacket
The incoming president of the Smithsonian Institution said all the right things after being named its new chief executive over the weekend. The Smithsonian has been tarnished by financial malfeasance committed by its previous secretary, and when Georgia Tech president G. Wayne Clough was tapped by the Institution’s Board of Regents Friday night, he directly addressed the Washington icon’s recent troubles.
“This is a treasure of our country, and it needs to move forward,” he said. “I know the Smithsonian has some challenges. We will surmount those challenges fairly quickly and move on to what I believe is a tremendous future for the Smithsonian.” …
“There is a tremendous residual good will for the Smithsonian,” he added. “I think what we need to do is repair some bridges. We need to communicate, be transparent, reinvigorate the excitement about the Smithsonian that should be here.”
Clough’s words ring true not only for organizations struggling to rebuild trust but for all nonprofits. Here’s hoping he can walk the talk. | 501(c)
Tags: G. Wayne Clough, Smithsonian Institution, Georgia Tech
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POSTED IN: Education, Ethics, Government
2 opinions for Communication and Transparency Are Much More Important Than Fonzie’s Leather Jacket
Sean Kelly
Mar 18, 2008 at 9:08 am
Tom: Great headline. I missed the Fonzi’s leather jacket reference but I assume the Smithsonian has it. I choose to assume that the outgoing Secretary was fired when it was discovered that he frequently borrowed the jacket and sat on Da Fonz’ chopper saying “AAAAYYYY!!!” before riding off with artifacts to sell on eBay.
If you get a chance, mosey over to franchisepick.com. I’d love to get your input on the AAFD nonprofit thread.
Tom Durso
Mar 18, 2008 at 9:51 am
I know, Sean, I know — I’m dating myself with a “Happy Days” reference …
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