High Museum of Art COO Resigns After $600,000 Theft

Independent review traced missing funds to former chief operating officer

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The High Museum of Art in Atlanta has announced the resignation of its chief operating officer after an investigation found that approximately $600,000 had been stolen from the institution. The Woodruff Arts Center, which oversees the High Museum, has referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney's Office for potential criminal prosecution and has hired an independent forensic auditor to review its financial processes.

Why it matters

The theft of a significant amount of funds from a major cultural institution like the High Museum raises concerns about financial oversight and internal controls. It also threatens to undermine public trust in the museum and the broader arts community in Atlanta.

The details

According to the Woodruff Arts Center, the organization's leadership noticed "financial irregularities" at the High Museum in December 2025 and launched an independent review. The review traced approximately $600,000 in stolen funds back to the museum's former chief operating officer, Brady Lum, who has since resigned. The Woodruff Arts Center has referred the matter to federal prosecutors and is working with an independent auditor to improve its financial processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  • In December 2025, the Woodruff Arts Center noticed financial irregularities at the High Museum.
  • An independent review was launched, which revealed the theft of approximately $600,000.
  • Brady Lum, the High Museum's former chief operating officer, has since resigned.

The players

High Museum of Art

A major art museum in Atlanta, Georgia, that is overseen by the Woodruff Arts Center.

Woodruff Arts Center

The nonprofit organization that manages the High Museum of Art and other cultural institutions in Atlanta.

Brady Lum

The former chief operating officer of the High Museum of Art, who has resigned following the investigation into the theft of $600,000 from the institution.

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What they’re saying

“To ensure accountability and appropriate oversight, the Woodruff Arts Center's Governing Board directed the outside law firm leading the independent review to refer this matter to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta for potential criminal prosecution.”

— Woodruff Arts Center (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta will determine the next steps in the potential criminal prosecution of the former High Museum COO.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of strong financial controls and oversight at cultural institutions, as well as the need for transparency and accountability when issues of fraud or theft are uncovered. The High Museum and Woodruff Arts Center's actions to investigate the matter and refer it to federal authorities demonstrate a commitment to addressing the problem and restoring public trust.