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High Museum CEO resigns amid $600,000 theft allegations
Woodruff Arts Center launches investigation, refers matter to federal prosecutors
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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The CEO of the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Brady Lum, has resigned amid allegations that he stole around $600,000 from the organization over the last few years. The Woodruff Arts Center, which oversees the High Museum, launched an investigation after finding bookkeeping irregularities and has referred the matter to federal prosecutors for possible criminal charges.
Why it matters
The High Museum is the largest art museum in the Southeast, and this scandal raises concerns about financial oversight and transparency at major cultural institutions. It also raises questions about the vetting process for hiring top executives at nonprofit organizations.
The details
According to reports, Woodruff Arts Center leaders found financial discrepancies late last year and brought in the law firm King & Spalding to investigate. The probe found that Lum, who had led the High Museum since 2019, allegedly misappropriated around $600,000 during his tenure. Woodruff's governing board has stressed that they believe Lum acted alone and that the organization is committed to being "completely transparent" about the situation.
- Lum has led the High Museum since 2019.
- The financial irregularities were discovered late last year.
- Lum has now resigned from his position.
The players
Brady Lum
The former CEO of the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, who has resigned amid allegations that he stole around $600,000 from the organization.
Woodruff Arts Center
The nonprofit organization that oversees the High Museum of Art and launched an investigation into the financial irregularities.
King & Spalding
The Atlanta-based law firm that was brought in by the Woodruff Arts Center to investigate the allegations against Lum and has referred the matter to federal prosecutors.
Hala Moddelmog
The CEO and President of the Woodruff Arts Center, who has stated the organization is committed to being "completely transparent" about the situation.
What they’re saying
“We want to be completely transparent with the public. We have nothing to hide. This was one person and a unique opportunity at that executive level, and nothing has changed.”
— Hala Moddelmog, CEO and President, Woodruff Arts Center (AJC)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
