Zack Colman reports for Politico
Nature Conservancy President Brian McPeek resigned Friday, just days after the group completed an investigation into sexual harassment and workplace misconduct at the world’s largest environmental organization.
The news came two days after POLITICO first reported on the internal investigation at the group, which reported $1.3 billion in revenues last year and has long drawn support from both Democrats and Republicans. Its board of directors includes former Republican Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and former Obama administration Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, and its executives include former Obama White House climate adviser Heather Zichal.
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CEO Mark Tercek emailed staff Friday afternoon to announce McPeek’s departure.
CEO Mark Tercek emailed staff Friday afternoon to announce McPeek’s departure.
“Brian McPeek and I jointly agreed that the best way for TNC to move forward at this time is for him to resign. We both think this decision is in the best interest of the organization as well as Brian and his family,” he wrote.
The investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and McPeek’s departure came amid rising scrutiny of executives of a vast array of companies and organizations, as the #MeToo movement has heightened attention to pervasive mistreatment of women.
In statement to POLITICO, a spokesperson for the group said Tercek and McPeek decided the best option was “for Brian to resign. They have agreed this decision is in the best interest of the organization and for Brian. “
McPeek had stepped aside from his role as president while the law firm McDermott Will & Emery investigated allegations of sexual harassment at the environmental group. The firm said it found that some employees complained of an organizational culture that is hostile to women, and that decision-makers often sided with the accused when people reported misconduct.
