In the latest development in the ongoing MAGFest controversy, all six voluntary boards have resigned. The news comes directly from a statement on MAGFest’s official website. The new update is due to concerns starting against the organization starting in November 2020. We have the full story and history of the development below.
In a serious statement, the official website updated its community on the evolving MAGFest controversy. Immediately effective, all six voluntary board members resigned from MAGFest. The organization has voted on three new boards and promises more information soon. MAGFest said it will start by healing some deep wounds, bringing in new leadership and being transparent about everything that goes ahead. ‘The new development comes after accusations came to light against three members of the board and the executive director. Paul Birtel, executive director of MAGFest, is still associated with the organization.
Recognizing the “systemic issues” within MAGFest, the Board of Directors has concluded that the best way to train is by bringing in a ‘new perspective from the community’. All three new members have been involved with MAGFest over the years. The new board consists of:
- Carrie Snyder – Chairman of the Board, Advisory Task Team, and Head of Department of Arcade.
- Cody Wilson – Treasurer of the Board, and member of the Task Force on Finance, as well as former Mega Man-a-Thon / magFAST presenter.
- Jason Williams – Member of the Board, Advisory Task Team and Head of Department of Consoles.
The three members transparently acknowledged that their work had been cut out for them. The new council said it would start by re-engaging a safe and frank conversation. The Council also conceded that MAGFest had its success “blinded” to the concerns of its community. The organization fans asked for support and patience while working to correct internal and external problems. The statement ended on a positive note that MAGFest 2022 will be better than ever before.
Timeline for MAGFest controversy
On 19 November 2020, a website organization made up of regular staff and volunteers of MAGFest, called Friends of MAGFest, was announced. The purpose of this site was ‘to inform the community that MAGFest has an unprecedented, existential threat – the MAGFest board of directors and executive director.’ According to the website, the allegations have been raised privately several times before. The website expressed its concerns with the Board of Directors and Executive Director as follows:
- Abuse of Power by the Board and Executive Director.
- Financial neglect of the organization.
- Mismanagement of the Executive Director by the Board.
- Mismanagement of the organization by the Executive Director and the Board.
- Verbal and emotional abuse by the Executive Director.
- Repeated and blatant disregard of wishes and desires of the community.
- Maintaining a harmful environment without liability.
- Rejects all issues raised privately.
- Take revenge on those who made complaints.
Among the calls for action, the website called for the immediate removal of CEO Paul Birtel and three board members: Joel Attanasio, Jack Boyd and Eli Courtwright. MAGFest’s board of directors reached the website shortly after the publication of the website to reach a decision. Friends of MAGFest said the Council listened seriously and worked together to bring all parties to the best possible outcome.
Following these developments, the MAGFest controversy has expanded. CEO Birtel fired the Events Director and three other staff members – all members of Friends of MAGFest. This decision, which took place on 28 December 2020, divided the Council in terms of support. As a result, MAGFest canceled its virtual event less than one month before it took place. The latest update is the resignation of the Board. Friends of MAGFest expressed their new support to the new members of the Board.
The Music and Gaming Festival (MAGFest) is an annual event held in the Washington DC area. Over the past year, the organization has departed to host similar events at various venues, such as MAGClassic, MAGWest and MAGLabs. We will keep our readers informed of future developments.