We want to share an update regarding a situation discovered earlier in 2018. As a result of an internal audit, we were dismayed to discover financial irregularities involving the former CEO of U.S. Pain Foundation. The Board of Directors immediately hired an independent attorney and a forensic accountant to investigate. The findings were clear that this individual had misused funds from the U.S. Pain Foundation. The Board concluded that the former CEO repeatedly misled and concealed information from the Board of Directors and staff. The Board demanded and received the former CEO’s immediate resignation.
Since then, we have been working diligently to rectify the situation. Steps that we’ve taken include alerting the appropriate legal authorities and cooperating fully in the investigation; seeking restitution of the misused funds; implementing a more robust system of checks and balances; and hiring a new interim chief financial officer, new counsel, and a new tax accountant.
We are determined not to let the actions of one individual interfere with or diminish our efforts to serve people with pain. Thanks to our dedicated team of staff and passionate volunteers, we continue to deliver on our unwavering mission to educate, connect, support and empower those living with pain through our important programs and services.
In fact, 2018 has been our most successful year to date. We have produced four editions of the INvisible Project; hosted two support group leader trainings and grown our support groups nationally; celebrated the appointment of two staff members to high-ranking federal committees; produced twelve educational webinars; organized our most robust Pain Awareness Month campaign to date and hosted two daylong educational events, in addition to our first-ever pediatric pain retreat for children and families.
We look forward to continuing to serve the pain community and thank you for supporting our efforts.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nicole Hemmenway at [email protected].
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors and Nicole Hemmenway, Interim CEO
U.S. Pain Foundation