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December 12, 2024

Terminated arts council CEO Best retains high-profile legal counsel; demands 'rightful earnings,' 'formal apology'

Rev. Shelley Best
By Andrew Larson

Rev. Shelley Best, former CEO of the Greater Hartford Arts Council (GHAC), who was fired in September after a battle with the organization’s board of directors, is demanding answers as she prepares to take legal action against her former employer.

A spokesperson for Atlanta-based attorney James L. Walker Jr., of J. Walker & Associates, said Thursday that Best has retained Walker and is seeking to recover her “rightful earnings, obtain a clear and transparent explanation of her termination and receive a formal apology for what she deems an unjust dismissal."

Best believes her termination "undermines her established reputation and valuable contributions to the organization,” according to a press release from the firm.

Best was let go after an internal investigation found that her actions were “inconsistent with GHAC’s procedural policies, as well as code of conduct, culture and values,” according to a statement from the board of directors in September.

The arts council has not released details about the investigation.

Best said in September that she was disciplined by the board and placed on administrative leave prior to her dismissal, following allegations of malfeasance. 

She denied the allegations and called it a “classist, racist, sexist organization.”

Best also said she received verbal threats from an employee.

Best, a minister, has degrees from Hartford International University and Yale Divinity School. She is also an artist-activist.

She served as CEO of GHAC from April 2022 until September 2024, during which time she said she secured $1 million in additional funding for the organization.

“While my tenure was cut short, my leadership impact in the Hartford Arts community is exponential,” Best said. “I remain a Hartford artist, activist and resident. My commitment to cultivating the arts ecosystem is the life I'll continue to live, with or without ‘title.’”

Walker said he will help with “protecting her reputable legacy and securing the compensation she rightfully deserves.”

Walker has represented a number of high-profile clients including musical artists DMX, Aretha Franklin and Jamie Foxx.

He also settled a dispute involving Jay-Z’s use of copyrighted material in his song “Family Affair,” securing his client 50% ownership of the song.

He has sued incoming President Donald J. Trump, winning a judgment in favor of the estate of Isaac Hayes Jr. that Trump must stop using the song "Hold On, I'm Coming," which was co-written by Hayes, during his rallies.

Walker frequently appears on CNN and was named one of Billboard Magazine's Top Entertainment Attorneys for 2024.

The GHAC board of directors issued the following statement Thursday:

“The Greater Hartford Arts Council is aware of statements made by the organization’s former Chief Executive Officer regarding her termination. While we understand that this matter has attracted attention, we do not discuss personnel matters publicly. 

We are confident that our actions were both justified and consistent with the law, and are prepared to present our case in court if any legal action is initiated. 

As always, our focus remains on serving as a catalyst for the arts in the Greater Hartford area and thank the public for their ongoing support.”

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