[NFBMO] Official Complaint of Unauthorized Signature

[Eddie Thieszen-Culp]

Hello Madame President:
Before addressing the substance of this correspondence, there is one matter that I believe deserves my immediate and unequivocal attention.
First, I owe you a sincere and unreserved apology.
At our State Convention, you reminded the membership that "I know some say they do not need the microphone, but here in Missouri, the NFB uses the microphone." At the time, I understood your remarks to mean not only that every member deserves the opportunity to participate fully in discussion, but also that the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri must never hesitate to use its collective voice when matters affecting the integrity of our organization require attention.
Today, I choose to use my own voice for a different purpose.
It was brought to my attention by trusted and thoughtful counsel that, by referring to you by your first name in my previous correspondence, I may have unintentionally created the impression that you were personally involved in, endorsed, approved of, or bore responsibility for the actions giving rise to my concerns. That was never my intention.
For any such implication—whether express, implied, or merely perceived—I offer you my complete and unequivocal apology.
I have never intended to suggest that you participated in, authorized, condoned, or endorsed any of the conduct about which I have expressed concern. To the contrary, I have consistently viewed your office as one deserving of the highest respect and have sought to preserve the dignity of that office throughout this process.
My disagreement concerns actions and governance—not your character, your leadership, or your commitment to this organization.
Your decades of service to the Federation, your election to the National Board, and your steadfast leadership of the Missouri affiliate speak for themselves. I remain grateful for your willingness to lead, to listen, and to serve the membership, often at considerable personal sacrifice. It is my sincere hope that this matter will ultimately reflect those same principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability that you have encouraged throughout your tenure.
Accordingly, please accept this apology without reservation. It is offered freely, sincerely, and with profound respect.
At the same time, I must also respectfully state that my apology should not be interpreted as a retreat from the concerns I have raised. My position regarding those concerns remains unchanged. I believe they deserve careful, impartial, and objective review. I remain committed to pursuing that review respectfully, professionally, and through the appropriate organizational processes.
I continue to believe that reasonable people acting in good faith can disagree while still working together toward the common purpose of strengthening the National Federation of the Blind. That remains my objective today. I harbor no desire to embarrass any individual, to create unnecessary division, or to diminish the remarkable work of this organization. My goal has always been—and continues to be—to ensure that our shared commitment to integrity, accountability, and sound governance remains worthy of the trust placed in us by every member of this great movement.
For me, this matter is not theoretical. It concerns my name, my legal signature, my professional reputation, and ultimately my livelihood. Those interests are too important for me to simply overlook, yet they are also important enough that I believe they deserve to be resolved fairly, respectfully, and transparently.
If the facts ultimately demonstrate that misunderstandings can be corrected, records clarified, and appropriate safeguards strengthened, I will welcome that outcome. If organizational improvements result from this process, then every member will benefit. That, in my view, would represent success—not victory for one person over another, but progress for the Federation itself.
 
That is the spirit in which I respectfully submit the following.
The National Federation of the Blind and its affiliates depend upon the trust and confidence of their members, donors, volunteers, community partners, and the public. That trust is not sustained merely through good intentions, but through principled leadership, ethical conduct, and faithful adherence to the policies and governing standards that protect the organization and everyone it serves.
Individuals who accept positions as elected officers, directors, committee members, or others entrusted with organizational authority assume fiduciary and ethical obligations that require them to act in the best interests of the organization above personal convenience, individual relationships, or private interests. These responsibilities become even more significant when multiple individuals serving in positions of authority reside within the same household, as heightened care must be exercised to avoid not only actual conflicts of interest, but also the appearance of impropriety or circumstances that could reasonably diminish confidence in the organization's governance.
These principles are not merely aspirational. They are essential safeguards that protect the integrity of the Federation, preserve member confidence, and ensure that every decision is made fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the organization's governing documents and fiduciary responsibilities.
For these reasons, I respectfully believe it is important that chapter officers, state board members, and all individuals entrusted with positions of leadership understand and faithfully observe the following principles:
1. Protection of Organizational Integrity
Every officer and board member has a duty to preserve the integrity, credibility, and reputation of the organization. Adhering to established bylaws, financial procedures, and organizational policies demonstrates that leadership is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.
2. Fiduciary Duty
Individuals entrusted with organizational authority owe fiduciary duties that generally include:
Acting in good faith.
Exercising reasonable care and diligence.
Acting in the best interests of the organization.
Protecting organizational assets.
Avoiding self-dealing and personal benefit.
Ensuring proper financial oversight and internal controls.
These duties exist regardless of personal friendships, family relationships, or household arrangements.
3. Protection of Financial Assets
Organizations must maintain accurate banking records, authorized signatories, financial approvals, and accounting procedures. Following established financial policies helps prevent:
Unauthorized transactions.
Misuse of organizational funds.
Fraud or financial irregularities.
Errors in bookkeeping.
Questions regarding the validity of financial decisions.
Potential legal liability for the organization and its officers.
Proper financial controls protect both the organization and the individuals responsible for managing its resources.
4. Respect for Organizational Policies
Policies exist to create consistency, fairness, and accountability. Leaders should model compliance rather than selectively applying or disregarding policies based upon personal relationships or convenience.
Consistent adherence promotes confidence that all members are treated equally under the same standards.
5. Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest
When multiple leaders reside in the same household, they should remain especially attentive to circumstances that could create either:
Actual conflicts of interest, or
The appearance of conflicts of interest.
Even where no improper conduct has occurred, avoiding situations that could reasonably call impartiality into question helps preserve confidence in organizational decision-making.
6. Preservation of Member Trust
Members expect organizational leaders to exercise sound judgment, honesty, and fairness.
Trust is strengthened when leaders:
Follow established procedures.
Make decisions transparently.
Accept accountability.
Welcome appropriate oversight.
Cooperate with legitimate requests for information.
Once member trust is diminished, restoring confidence often requires significant time and effort.
7. Transparency and Accountability
Transparency protects everyone involved.
Leadership should maintain:
Accurate records.
Complete financial documentation.
Appropriate meeting records.
Proper authorization for official actions.
Clear documentation supporting organizational decisions.
Transparency discourages misunderstandings and facilitates independent review when legitimate questions arise.
8. Protection of Members' Rights
Every member has the right to expect that organizational affairs are conducted according to governing documents and applicable policies.
Respecting these rights includes ensuring:
Fair elections.
Proper financial oversight.
Accurate organizational records.
Equal treatment of members.
Appropriate handling of official authority.
9. Protection Against Legal and Financial Exposure
Failure to comply with organizational procedures may expose individuals or the organization to:
Internal disciplinary action.
Organizational investigations.
Financial audits.
Civil liability.
Regulatory scrutiny.
Damage to the organization's reputation.
Following established procedures significantly reduces these risks.
10. Independence of Decision-Making
Board members and officers should exercise independent judgment based solely upon what is in the best interests of the organization.
Household relationships should never compromise independent decision-making or create the perception that organizational decisions are being coordinated outside established governance processes.
11. Ethical Leadership
Leadership carries an obligation to set an example for the membership.
Ethical leadership includes:
Honesty.
Integrity.
Respect.
Professionalism.
Confidentiality where appropriate.
Accountability.
Compliance with organizational rules.
Members are far more likely to respect organizational decisions when leaders consistently demonstrate these principles.
12. Preservation of Organizational Credibility
The National Federation of the Blind has earned its credibility through decades of advocacy, public service, and principled leadership.
The actions of organizational leaders directly influence public confidence in the organization. Consistent adherence to ethical standards preserves that credibility for current and future generations of members.
13. Stewardship of Official Authority
Holding elected office is a position of trust, not personal privilege.
Leaders should exercise their authority solely for legitimate organizational purposes and avoid any action that could reasonably be perceived as exceeding or misusing that authority.
14. Maintaining Appropriate Separation Between Personal and Organizational Relationships
Personal friendships, family relationships, and shared households should never replace or supersede formal organizational processes.
Organizational decisions should always be guided by governing documents, applicable policies, and the best interests of the membership.
15. Encouraging a Culture of Accountability
Strong organizations foster an environment in which questions may be raised respectfully, concerns may be reviewed objectively, and policies are applied consistently without regard to the individuals involved.
Accountability strengthens—not weakens—an organization by reinforcing confidence that its leadership is committed to fairness, integrity, transparency, and responsible governance.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of any nonprofit organization depends upon ethical leadership, sound governance, and faithful adherence to fiduciary responsibilities. These obligations apply equally to elected chapter officers, state board members, committee leaders, and every individual entrusted with organizational authority. When leaders also reside within the same household, heightened attention to transparency, independence, conflict-of-interest principles, and established organizational procedures serves to protect both the organization and those who faithfully serve it. Consistent compliance with these standards preserves member confidence, safeguards organizational assets, and strengthens the integrity and reputation of the National Federation of the Blind and its affiliates for generations to come.
 

From: Eddie Thieszen-Culp <ekculp at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 2:00 PM
To: Shelia Wright <sbwright95 at gmail.com>; Janice Grisham <janice.jackson48 at gmail.com>; Jenny Carmack <jcarmack at nfbmo.org>; Randy Carmack <rcarmack at nfbmo.org>; mizzoufan1979 at gmail.com<mizzoufan1979 at gmail.com>; Carol Coulter <cjcoulter59 at gmail.com>; Nancy Aguilera <erendyda at icloud.com>; Dennis Miller <millerdennis893 at gmail.com>
Cc: Gary Wunder <gwunder at earthlink.net>; officeofthepresident at nfb.org<officeofthepresident at nfb.org>; pallen at nfb.org<pallen at nfb.org>; ebacon at nfb.org<ebacon at nfb.org>
Subject: Re: Official complaint of unauthorized use of signature
 
Hello Sheila and Janice,
In addition to the requests previously made, I request that each of you provide a written statement setting forth your independent recollection of the Springfield Chapter meeting held on July 11, 2026, contemporaneously with providing the complete audio recording of that meeting in its original, unedited format.
Unless circumstances require otherwise, I expect each request contained within this correspondence, together with my previous related correspondence, to be addressed no later than Friday, July 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
This deadline is established to promote clarity, preserve the integrity of the record, and facilitate a fair and timely resolution. My objective is not conflict; it is accountability. I will not permit my professional reputation, personal integrity, or my family's financial security to be placed at unnecessary risk through inaction, misunderstanding, or avoidable procedural failures.
It is also important that MOmbers of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri understand why I have been unwavering in protecting my interests in this matter. In August 2025, I reported substantially similar concerns to the Missouri Affiliate President. At that time, I was informed that the matter had been investigated and that no wrongdoing had occurred. Despite those assurances, my concerns remained unresolved.
As a result, I established firm professional boundaries with the individuals involved and limited my interactions exclusively to official Federation business. Those boundaries were not established out of hostility but out of necessity. Integrity requires that trust be supported by accountability, and when confidence has been compromised, appropriate boundaries become essential.
The circumstances that have now come to light demonstrate why those concerns deserved continued scrutiny. Consequently, I will continue to pursue complete factual clarification until every material question has been answered and all appropriate corrective measures have been implemented.
As a licensed professional counselor, I understand that past conduct is often one of the strongest predictors of future conduct when meaningful accountability is absent. For that reason, I will continue documenting events, preserving evidence, requesting records, and seeking clarification until this matter has been fully investigated and resolved.
Nothing in this correspondence should be interpreted as a waiver of any legal, equitable, organizational, or professional rights or remedies available to me. I expressly reserve all such rights.
As I continue to reflect upon and document these events, I may identify additional facts, dates, communications, or supporting documentation relevant to this matter. I will continue maintaining contemporaneous records to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the factual record. Accordingly, I expressly reserve the right to supplement, amend, or expand my statements and requests as additional information becomes available.
My expectation is straightforward: transparency, accountability, preservation of all relevant records, and a resolution grounded in facts rather than assumptions. I will continue to pursue those objectives through every appropriate organizational, professional, and legal avenue available until this matter has been fully resolved.
Finally, I want to make equally clear that my pursuit of accountability should never be mistaken for hostility toward the National Federation of the Blind or its mission. Throughout my years of service, I have consistently demonstrated my willingness to serve this movement with honor, integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. That commitment has not diminished. Should the Federation require my talents, experience, leadership, or service in any capacity consistent with my principles and professional obligations, I remain prepared to answer that call. My commitment has always been to the mission—not to personalities—and I will continue to serve whenever doing so advances the Federation's values, protects its integrity, and benefits blind people whom we exist to serve.
Respectfully,
Eddie K. Culp, LPC
        
From: Eddie Thieszen-Culp <ekculp at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 9:52 AM
To: Shelia Wright <sbwright95 at gmail.com>; Janice Grisham <janice.jackson48 at gmail.com>; Jenny Carmack <jcarmack at nfbmo.org>; Randy Carmack <rcarmack at nfbmo.org>; mizzoufan1979 at gmail.com<mizzoufan1979 at gmail.com>; Carol Coulter <cjcoulter59 at gmail.com>; Nancy Aguilera <erendyda at icloud.com>; Dennis Miller <millerdennis893 at gmail.com>
Cc: Gary Wunder <gwunder at earthlink.net>; officeofthepresident at nfb.org<officeofthepresident at nfb.org>; pallen at nfb.org<pallen at nfb.org>; ebacon at nfb.org<ebacon at nfb.org>
Subject: Re: Official complaint of unauthorized use of signature
 
Hello Sheila and Janice,
This correspondence serves as a formal request that no documents, records, recordings, photographs, signatures, banking records, financial records, electronic communications, emails, text messages, metadata, archives, or any other materials containing or relating to my name, likeness, voice, photograph, signature, or other personally identifying information be destroyed, altered, revised, transferred, deleted, overwritten, concealed, or otherwise disposed of until this matter has been fully reviewed and resolved.
This request includes, but is not limited to:
All bank records and financial documents.
Signature cards, authorizations, and banking correspondence.
Checks, canceled checks, check images, deposit records, and transaction histories.
Meeting recordings, minutes, agendas, and notes.
Emails, text messages, and other communications concerning my status as an officer or authorized bank signer.
Any electronic or paper records relating to my name or signature.
Because questions have arisen regarding my continued designation as an authorized bank signatory after my term as Vice President concluded, I consider these materials to be potentially relevant evidence and respectfully request that they be preserved in their original form.
Additionally, I respectfully request a complete copy of the audio recording of the Springfield Chapter meeting held on July 11, 2026. I request that the recording be provided in its original, unedited format so that I may independently review and verify its authenticity and completeness.
For purposes of maintaining an accurate record, I also request that any future communications regarding this matter be conducted in a manner that creates a verifiable written record, such as email or other written correspondence. If a telephone conversation becomes necessary, I ask that any substantive matters discussed be confirmed afterward in writing.
As I continue to reflect upon and document the circumstances surrounding this matter, I may recall or identify additional facts, information, dates, or documentation relevant to the events in question. I will continue to maintain contemporaneous notes and preserve any information that may assist in accurately documenting the matter and protecting my legal and professional interests. Nothing contained in this correspondence should be interpreted as a complete or exhaustive statement of the facts presently known to me, and I expressly reserve the right to supplement this record as additional information becomes available.
Thank you for your attention to this request. I appreciate your cooperation in preserving the integrity of the records while this matter is being reviewed.
Respectfully,
Eddie K. Culp, LPC





Eddie K Culp
"none of the secrets of success will work unless you do"

"Grant me the authority to be silent. Make sure I do not exist in a place where I am not alive." - Carl Jung 

> On Jul 13, 2026, at 12:26 PM, Eddie Thieszen-Culp <ekculp at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hello Madame President,
> I recently became aware that my name remained listed as an authorized signatory on the Springfield Chapter bank account even though my service as Vice President concluded on December 31, 2025. I also learned that there were checks associated with the account after my term ended. I have been informed that any outstanding checks bearing my name have since been destroyed as of July 11, 2026 although I was not personally able to verify the tender.  .
> I defer to the National Federation of the Blind and the Missouri affiliate regarding the proper interpretation of applicable bylaws, policies, and financial procedures. However, I believe this situation warrants a prompt review to determine whether any financial transactions occurred while I remained listed as an authorized signer after leaving office, whether all required internal procedures were followed, and whether any corrective actions or audit procedures are appropriate.
> Upon learning of this matter, I immediately instructed those involved to remove my name from all banking records and to notify me once that action had been completed. I also previously posted publicly on the affiliate platform that I no longer held any elected or appointed office within the organization, which provided an additional opportunity for the chapter to update its records accordingly.
> To be clear, any use of my authorized signature, or any representation that I remained an authorized signer after my term ended, occurred without my knowledge, permission, authorization, or direction.
> Accordingly, I respectfully request that the Missouri affiliate provide guidance regarding:
> The appropriate procedures for addressing this matter.
> Whether a financial review or audit is warranted.
> The corrective measures that will be implemented to ensure this situation cannot occur again.
> Whether additional notification to any appropriate authorities or financial institutions is necessary.
> Because I am a licensed professional counselor and operate a professional practice, maintaining the integrity of my name, professional reputation, licensure, and business is of paramount importance. I cannot permit my name to be associated with unauthorized financial activity or any circumstance that could call my professional integrity into question.
> I have devoted significant time, financial resources, professional relationships, and personal commitment to advancing the mission of the National Federation of the Blind. I remain proud of that service and of the values this organization represents. I have worked diligently throughout my career to build a reputation founded upon integrity, professionalism, and service, and I intend to protect that reputation with the utmost seriousness.
> I respectfully request that the affiliate conduct a complete and impartial investigation into this matter. If the investigation determines that organizational policies, fiduciary responsibilities, or ethical standards were violated, I trust that appropriate corrective or disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the National Federation of the Blind Constitution, the Missouri affiliate bylaws, the Springfield Chapter bylaws, and any applicable financial policies.
> Should the investigation determine that my name or signature was used without authorization, I would also request that the organization consider issuing an appropriate written acknowledgment or apology to address the impact this matter has had on my professional reputation.
> Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your leadership and look forward to your guidance regarding the next appropriate steps. I remain committed to the mission of the National Federation of the Blind and hope this issue can be resolved promptly, fairly, and in a manner that strengthens the organization's governance and financial accountability.
> Respectfully,
> Eddie K. Culp, LPC





Eddie K Culp
"none of the secrets of success will work unless you do"

"Grant me the authority to be silent. Make sure I do not exist in a place where I am not alive." - Carl Jung 

> On Jul 14, 2026, at 2:11 PM, Eddie Thieszen-Culp <ekculp at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hello Sheila and Janice,
> In addition to the requests previously made, I request that each of you provide a written statement setting forth your independent recollection of the Springfield Chapter meeting held on July 11, 2026, contemporaneously with providing the complete audio recording of that meeting in its original, unedited format.
> Unless circumstances require otherwise, I expect each request contained within this correspondence, together with my previous related correspondence, to be addressed no later than Friday, July 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
> This deadline is established to promote clarity, preserve the integrity of the record, and facilitate a fair and timely resolution. My objective is not conflict; it is accountability. I will not permit my professional reputation, personal integrity, or my family's financial security to be placed at unnecessary risk through inaction, misunderstanding, or avoidable procedural failures.
> It is also important that members of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri understand why I have been unwavering in protecting my interests in this matter. In August 2025, I reported substantially similar concerns to the Missouri Affiliate President. At that time, I was informed that the matter had been investigated and that no wrongdoing had occurred. Despite those assurances, my concerns remained unresolved.
> As a result, I established firm professional boundaries with the individuals involved and limited my interactions exclusively to official Federation business. Those boundaries were not established out of hostility but out of necessity. Integrity requires that trust be supported by accountability, and when confidence has been compromised, appropriate boundaries become essential.
> The circumstances that have now come to light demonstrate why those concerns deserved continued scrutiny. Consequently, I will continue to pursue complete factual clarification until every material question has been answered and all appropriate corrective measures have been implemented.
> As a licensed professional counselor, I understand that past conduct is often one of the strongest predictors of future conduct when meaningful accountability is absent. For that reason, I will continue documenting events, preserving evidence, requesting records, and seeking clarification until this matter has been fully investigated and resolved.
> Nothing in this correspondence should be interpreted as a waiver of any legal, equitable, organizational, or professional rights or remedies available to me. I expressly reserve all such rights.
> As I continue to reflect upon and document these events, I may identify additional facts, dates, communications, or supporting documentation relevant to this matter. I will continue maintaining contemporaneous records to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the factual record. Accordingly, I expressly reserve the right to supplement, amend, or expand my statements and requests as additional information becomes available.
> My expectation is straightforward: transparency, accountability, preservation of all relevant records, and a resolution grounded in facts rather than assumptions. I will continue to pursue those objectives through every appropriate organizational, professional, and legal avenue available until this matter has been fully resolved.
> Finally, I want to make equally clear that my pursuit of accountability should never be mistaken for hostility toward the National Federation of the Blind or its mission. Throughout my years of service, I have consistently demonstrated my willingness to serve this movement with honor, integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. That commitment has not diminished. Should the Federation require my talents, experience, leadership, or service in any capacity consistent with my principles and professional obligations, I remain prepared to answer that call. My commitment has always been to the mission—not to personalities—and I will continue to serve whenever doing so advances the Federation's values, protects its integrity, and benefits blind people whom we exist to serve.
> Respectfully,
> Eddie K. Culp, LPC
> 
> From: Eddie Thieszen-Culp <ekculp at gmail.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:28 AM
> To: NFB list serve <nfbmo at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: Official Complaint of Unauthorized Signature
>  
> Hello Sheila and Janice,
> This correspondence serves as a formal request that no documents, records, recordings, photographs, signatures, banking records, financial records, electronic communications, emails, text messages, metadata, archives, or any other materials containing or relating to my name, likeness, voice, photograph, signature, or other personally identifying information be destroyed, altered, revised, transferred, deleted, overwritten, concealed, or otherwise disposed of until this matter has been fully reviewed and resolved.
> This request includes, but is not limited to:
> All bank records and financial documents.
> Signature cards, authorizations, and banking correspondence.
> Checks, canceled checks, check images, deposit records, and transaction histories.
> Meeting recordings, minutes, agendas, and notes.
> Emails, text messages, and other communications concerning my status as an officer or authorized bank signer.
> Any electronic or paper records relating to my name or signature.
> Because questions have arisen regarding my continued designation as an authorized bank signatory after my term as Vice President concluded, I consider these materials to be potentially relevant evidence and respectfully request that they be preserved in their original form.
> Additionally, I respectfully request a complete copy of the audio recording of the Springfield Chapter meeting held on July 11, 2026. I request that the recording be provided in its original, unedited format so that I may independently review and verify its authenticity and completeness.
> For purposes of maintaining an accurate record, I also request that any future communications regarding this matter be conducted in a manner that creates a verifiable written record, such as email or other written correspondence. If a telephone conversation becomes necessary, I ask that any substantive matters discussed be confirmed afterward in writing.
> As I continue to reflect upon and document the circumstances surrounding this matter, I may recall or identify additional facts, information, dates, or documentation relevant to the events in question. I will continue to maintain contemporaneous notes and preserve any information that may assist in accurately documenting the matter and protecting my legal and professional interests. Nothing contained in this correspondence should be interpreted as a complete or exhaustive statement of the facts presently known to me, and I expressly reserve the right to supplement this record as additional information becomes available.
> Thank you for your attention to this request. I appreciate your cooperation in preserving the integrity of the records while this matter is being reviewed.
> Respectfully,
> Eddie K. Culp, LPC
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Eddie K Culp
> "none of the secrets of success will work unless you do"
> 
> "Grant me the authority to be silent. Make sure I do not exist in a place where I am not alive." - Carl Jung 
> 
>>> On Jul 13, 2026, at 12:27 PM, Eddie Thieszen-Culp <ekculp at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> Hello Madame President,
>> I recently became aware that my name remained listed as an authorized signatory on the Springfield Chapter bank account even though my service as Vice President concluded on December 31, 2025. I also learned that there were checks associated with the account after my term ended. I have been informed that any outstanding checks bearing my name have since been destroyed as of July 11, 2026 although I was not personally able to verify the tender.  .
>> I defer to the National Federation of the Blind and the Missouri affiliate regarding the proper interpretation of applicable bylaws, policies, and financial procedures. However, I believe this situation warrants a prompt review to determine whether any financial transactions occurred while I remained listed as an authorized signer after leaving office, whether all required internal procedures were followed, and whether any corrective actions or audit procedures are appropriate.
>> Upon learning of this matter, I immediately instructed those involved to remove my name from all banking records and to notify me once that action had been completed. I also previously posted publicly on the affiliate platform that I no longer held any elected or appointed office within the organization, which provided an additional opportunity for the chapter to update its records accordingly.
>> To be clear, any use of my authorized signature, or any representation that I remained an authorized signer after my term ended, occurred without my knowledge, permission, authorization, or direction.
>> Accordingly, I respectfully request that the Missouri affiliate provide guidance regarding:
>> The appropriate procedures for addressing this matter.
>> Whether a financial review or audit is warranted.
>> The corrective measures that will be implemented to ensure this situation cannot occur again.
>> Whether additional notification to any appropriate authorities or financial institutions is necessary.
>> Because I am a licensed professional counselor and operate a professional practice, maintaining the integrity of my name, professional reputation, licensure, and business is of paramount importance. I cannot permit my name to be associated with unauthorized financial activity or any circumstance that could call my professional integrity into question.
>> I have devoted significant time, financial resources, professional relationships, and personal commitment to advancing the mission of the National Federation of the Blind. I remain proud of that service and of the values this organization represents. I have worked diligently throughout my career to build a reputation founded upon integrity, professionalism, and service, and I intend to protect that reputation with the utmost seriousness.
>> I respectfully request that the affiliate conduct a complete and impartial investigation into this matter. If the investigation determines that organizational policies, fiduciary responsibilities, or ethical standards were violated, I trust that appropriate corrective or disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the National Federation of the Blind Constitution, the Missouri affiliate bylaws, the Springfield Chapter bylaws, and any applicable financial policies.
>> Should the investigation determine that my name or signature was used without authorization, I would also request that the organization consider issuing an appropriate written acknowledgment or apology to address the impact this matter has had on my professional reputation.
>> Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your leadership and look forward to your guidance regarding the next appropriate steps. I remain committed to the mission of the National Federation of the Blind and hope this issue can be resolved promptly, fairly, and in a manner that strengthens the organization's governance and financial accountability.
>> Respectfully,
>> Eddie K. Culp, LPC
>> 
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