Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, comics pro, comicspro, entertainment, gary mills, laughing ogre, phoenix

ComicsPRO Treasurer Resigns Over 'Certain Financial Improprieties'

Published Fri, 05 Dec 2014 08:00:28 -0600

Last updated Fri, 05 Dec 2014 10:25:55 -0600

Last night, comic retailer trade organisation ComicsPRO posted on their Facebook page:

ComicsPRO, the Comic Book Industry retail trade organization, is currently investigating the possible misuse or misappropriation of corporate funds by a former Board member. Thomas Gaul, the organization President, was recently made aware of the potential abuse. He moved to quickly inform the Board of Directors of the issue and accepted the resignation of the board member in question. The board is investigating the extent and degree of any misappropriation of organization funds, the effects it may have on the organization, and what the organization can do to recover the funds, if anything.

The Board of Directors is fully committed to uncovering all of the facts and circumstances surrounding these events in an open and transparent manner and, should it become necessary, will cooperate with authorities as the situation unfolds.

Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, there is no expected impact to the current staffing and programming of the organization.

But ComicsPRO issued a statement to their own members, naming the individual in question,

Yesterday Gary Dills resigned as a Director and Treasurer of the ComicsPRO retail trade organization. Gary did so after admitting to the President, Thomas Gaul, to certain financial improprieties. The board has accepted his resignation and is investigating the extent and degree of any misappropriation of organization funds, the effects it has had on the organization, and what the organization can do to recover the funds, if anything.

The Board of Directors is fully committed to investigating the circumstances surrounding these events and will make every effort to keep the membership informed as more information develops.

Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, this is not expected to affect the organization's current staffing, programs, or the upcoming annual meeting.

A more general public statement will be issued via the organization's web communication portals shortly. It is recommended that members utilize discretion with regards to this situation, especially this early into the process.

Dills was not only treasurer of ComicsPRO, but according to founder Amanda Emmert, "my best friend Gary Dills, of Phoenix Comics (which later became Laughing Ogre Comics) funded the nascent organization, helped me construct the initial bylaws, and helped choose the initial board of directors."

I contacted Dills, a regular contributor to the Bleeding Cool Bestseller List, who told me "no comment at this time." The ComicsPro website still lists him as Director, saying,

Director Gary Dills
Gary Dills is co-owner of Phoenix Comics and Toys, a chain based in Northern Virginia with recent expansion into Columbus, OH with their acquisition of The Laughing Ogre. Gary has worked in the Direct Market since 1994 and was a member of the ComicsPRO Founding Board. He is also a member of the Free Comic Book Day advisory board and a frequent poster to the Comic Book Industry Alliance forum, sharing his insights into comics retailing to help other retailers improve their businesses. Gary also serves as Chair on the ComicsPRO Outreach Committee, supervising ComicsPRO's presence at trade shows and conventions.

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