When the ED passed away the new COO immediately began making drastic changes, firing an employee who had been there the longest less than a week after the funeral. The COO continued firing almost every Director over the next several months, wiping out decades of experience and ARVO history. Favoritism was so blatant that staff who were not “in” lost their privileges of telecommuting and flex-time. Staff were treated like criminals upon firing, not being allowed to even advise remaining staff of status of projects, and being allowed less than five minutes under tight supervision to gather personal items. Severance pay was insulting, if even provided. Friends of the COO were brought in from outside as new Directors, some of whom had never worked in the areas they were now directing, Morale plummeted as staff watched about half the staff being escorted out of the building without regard to their expertise, performance or commitment to ARVO. Others quit, knowing they were probably next or unwilling to play the COO's games. For almost 11 years I loved my job and was certain I would work there until retirement.. I remain unemployed, since It is extremely difficult for women in their 60's to find work.
