Board of Inquiry, Andy Dietz vs. Shannon Faltak, Jessica Johnson, Beth Golder
The AWMA BOI Committee convened on Monday, March 10, 2025, to examine the BOI submitted by Andy Deitz against Secretary Jessica Johnson, Membership Chair Shannon Faltak, and Treasurer Beth Golder. Following a meticulous review of the
matter, we, the BOI Committee, have ascertained that the complaint lacks substance and does not merit further investigation.
The primary issue raised pertains to the claim that the President requires direct access to financial and other AWMA databases in order to fulfill his supervisory duties over the officers in question. It is the finding of this committee that such access is not necessary for the President to carry out the expected responsibilities of oversight and supervision as defined in the AWMA governing documents.
The President’s role is to provide leadership and direction within the organization, ensuring that all officers and committee members are fulfilling their duties and adhering to AWMA policies, procedures, and bylaws. Supervisory duties do not inherently require direct log-in or write-access to financial records or other internal databases. Rather, these duties are carried out through regular reports, meetings, and collaboration with the officers.
We consulted a past AWMA Treasurer in order to ascertain the functioning of past Boards. They concurred that neither direct log-in nor write-access to financial or database systems was provided to past presidents, and none was required for those individuals to fulfill their role as President.
The following questions below were asked:
1. Were you ever required to provide login credentials to the AWMA President?
RESPONSE: No.
2. What were your requirements to give financial information to the AWMA President.
RESPONSE: Not more than the annual report provided at EB and GB just prior toannual meeting.
3. Were you required to give club details and membership list, including renewal dates to the AWMA President?
RESPONSE: Club renewals were maintained by Treasurer and Secretary. As Treasurer I never had the member lists of clubs. All renewal dates for individuals and clubs were the same. To the best of my recollection, we only advised the
President when clubs did not renew by deadline.
Therefore, we do not find merit in the argument that lack of such database access hinders the President's ability to perform supervisory duties effectively. Additionally, we note that Mr. Dietz mentioned in his complaint, "50 different screenshots and 50 different requests to prove this, but I will not. Based on previous BOIs, email exchanges, and internet discussions that you have reviewed, there is no doubt these requests have been made." However, those specific materials were not provided to the Board of Inquiry for consideration. As stated in the considered opinion of two members of this committee, both of whom have previously served as AWMA secretaries, it is vital
that all pertinent documents and evidence be submitted with any BOI submissions if they are to be taken into account. Without this supporting information, this is considered as lacking sufficient evidence, and the committee is unable to fully address or evaluate
the concerns raised.
As stated in the complaint, "I requested passwords eight times within the first ten days alone." This may be considered a form of harassment, which is unprofessional and inappropriate behavior for any acting President.
In conclusion, after careful consideration, the Board of Inquiry finds this complaint to be
irrelevant to the current operations and oversight practices of the AWMA.
Sincerely,
The AWMA Board of Inquiry Committee.