Schumann informed association members of the turnover in a letter dated April 11, in which he explained the board’s investigation into the letter’s complaints, their decision to support Schumann as CEO, and Schumann’s interviews with the 15 staff members and regional managers issuing the complaints.
When that round of interviews were completed “in person or over the phone” the decision was made to terminate six regional managers and six staff members.
“We are working with the remaining staff members to provide the association with assistance through this transitional period,” Schumann wrote.
“We fully understand that this decision may create unexpected hardships for our members, but please be assured that, in light of this unforeseen circumstance, the board of directors and the employees of the association will do everything in our power to alleviate or prevent any inconveniences or disruptions in services related to the changes taking place,” Schumann said.
Eric Grant, director of public relations for Angus, confirmed that the regional managers removed were from regions 3 (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Arkansas), 5 (Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee), 6 (Kansas and Oklahoma), 9 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin), 11 (Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) and 13 (Colorado and Nebraska), but did not release their names for reasons of confidentiality.
Schumann’s statement said the letter to the board signed March 21 “enumerated concerns over the management of the association and asked for my removal as association CEO.”
A story posted by St. Joseph, Missouri station KQ2, said the letter outlined a lack of morale at the association, stating “There is a complete lack of confidence, trust, and respect for the CEO’s ability to provide the leadership and atmosphere needed to maintain, let alone grow, the relevance of this organization.”
The Angus board responded the next day forming a six-person task force of officers and board members, convening March 26-27 in Kansas City and proceeding to interview 25 employees including Schumann.
The task force gave its summary report to the board on April 7-8. The ensuing discussion and vote resulted in a board decision to keep Schumann as CEO. Schumann’s statement said “officers also attended meetings with staff and regional managers.”
What followed were the employee interviews in person or over the phone, conducted by Schumann with each of the 15 signers of the letter, which then resulted in the 12 firings.
The KQ2 report said six staff were from the St. Joseph headquarters.
Read the entire statement from Schumann. 
