The Vineyard Trust has rebranded once again, and is now called the Vineyard Preservation Trust, according to a press release. The name change goes into effect immediately.
The new name is being billed as a return “to its roots.” “This update to our name best reflects our heritage, our mission, and our future. For more than 45 years, the Vineyard Preservation Trust has been investing in our Island by providing places that build community, make memories, and tell the Island’s story. Our work restoring, preserving, and reimaging historic landmarks will keep these iconic places as an integral part of Martha’s Vineyard culture and Island life,” executive director Nevette Previd said in the release.
The name change comes after issues with Community Preservation committee funding requests under former executive director Funi Burdick, which led to a State Police investigation. That investigation did not did not lead to any charges. Following Burdick’s resignation, the Trust’s board appointed John Klein as its new chair.
This is the second time the Trust has changed its name. The first was during Burdick’s tenure, when the Trust changed from the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust to the Vineyard Trust.
Keep digging in! The Trust issues should not be papered over! A name change should not change the focus that graft and corruption occurred and a price must be paid by those responsible… keep going up the food chain and back in time…. follow the money coming in…from rents, other companies that the Trust controls…. for the past 20 years… When did it start and how did the money flow and who has benefitted…. Yes, the Trust has maintained many cultural treasures, but cannot those who run it must be held accountable for failures of transparency? Because the Trust pulls these buildings from the tax rolls, the towns people should have a say in how it is run….. independent watchdog committees with full access to all paperwork and financial transactions…all reporting to the Towns and to the AG’s office. This will certainly end the conflicts of interest! Being able to buy your way onto a Board of Trustees is really not the best way to run a charity….especially when it soon appears a new Trustee has gained a personal benefit from financial dealings. That must end.
They need more than a name change to fix this once proud institution. They need the core group of insiders who created the mess to resign and walk away. We know who you are and they know who they are and until that is done no more contributions from the public should be made.
Yes! The beat does go on. Thank you Bob Murphy.