Prominent Hartford Arts Official Fired From Her Post

Greater Hartford Arts Council

HARTFORD, CT — The leader of a prominent Hartford-based arts organization was abruptly fired from her position Monday following an internal probe.

The Greater Hartford Arts Council (GHAC) announced Monday that the Rev. Dr. Shelley Best has been terminated from her position as Chief executive officer, effective immediately.

The GHAC did not cite a specific reason for the firing, only that her actions were not in line with the organization.

"The decision was reached by the organization’s board of directors after an internal investigation determined that Best’s actions were inconsistent with GHAC’s procedural policies, as well as code of conduct, culture and values," wrote the GHAC in a statement Monday.

The GHAC Board of Directors appointed longtime employee Amanda Roy as interim CEO and will begin a search for a permanent CEO in the coming months.

“We are thrilled to have Amanda step into this critical role,” said Robert Braswell, chairman of the GHAC Board of Directors.

“Her exceptional talent, combined with her intimate knowledge of the organization and the Hartford arts landscape, make her the ideal candidate to lead GHAC during this transitional period.”

Among the events supported by the GHAC are "Hartford Creates Summer," "Street Stages" and "Theater Week" events, among other initiatives.

The Greater Hartford Arts Council has served Connecticut’s capital region for more than 50 years, providing financial and organizational resources to support the arts community.

For more information on the Greater Hartford Arts Council, click on this link.