A group of current and former employees of Visit Napa Valley expressed significant concerns about the organization’s CEO, Linsey Gallagher, in a detailed four-page letter. Allegations included mismanagement of funds and creating a toxic workplace environment. This follows previous communications with the board in May regarding policy violations attributed to Gallagher.
In response to the letter, the Visit Napa Valley board swiftly initiated an investigation by an impartial third party to address the allegations. Emma Swain, chair of the board, stated that after thorough interviews with the complainants, the investigation found no evidence supporting claims of workplace bullying or financial impropriety.
“We have complete confidence in Visit Napa Valley’s team to fulfill our mission and uphold Napa Valley’s standing in the tourism industry,” Swain affirmed.
Since the letter was unsigned and anonymous, Swain clarified that the board would not take action based solely on its contents. She emphasized that previous complaints had already been thoroughly investigated and addressed, with detailed findings provided to each employee and an opportunity for discussion with board members.
However, the anonymous contributors to the letter alleged that Gallagher had targeted them for retaliation following the investigation’s conclusion, which they claimed was mishandled. They specifically pointed out what they described as a pattern of financial mismanagement, including alleged misallocation of funds from the Tourism Improvement District, which is partially funded by a lodging tax in Napa County.
Visit Napa Valley oversees an annual budget of approximately $8 million and plays a crucial role in managing the county’s tourism industry, which generates over $2.2 billion in annual spending. The letter highlighted concerns that Gallagher had not been transparent with staff and board members about financial decisions and had allegedly provided inaccurate information on several occasions.
Swain reiterated that the financial allegations arose after the completion of the annual audit, and an independent investigation confirmed no wrongdoing. The Tourism Improvement District tax, established in 2010 and supported by various cities and towns in Napa County, is integral to funding tourism-related initiatives that benefit both visitors and the local economy.
Despite the controversy, Visit Napa Valley remains focused on its mission amid the scrutiny surrounding its leadership and financial management practices.
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