Former Greater Hartford Arts Council CEO Shelley Best has filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was underpaid, wrongfully terminated and defamed by the organization following her ouster in September 2024.
The complaint, filed April 17 in U.S. District Court in Connecticut and assigned to Judge Stefan R. Underhill, accuses the arts council of race, sex and age discrimination, along with violations of the Equal Pay Act.
Best, who led the nonprofit from April 2022 until her September 2024 termination, claims she was paid $155,000 annually despite a posted salary range of $185,000 to $200,000, and less than several of her white predecessors. The complaint names three prior CEOs who earned more: Kenneth Kahn, a white male, at $200,000; Kate Bolduc, a white female, at $170,000; and Cathy Malloy, a white female, at $200,000.
Her firing followed an internal investigation by the board, which at the time said her actions were “inconsistent with GHAC’s procedural policies, as well as code of conduct, culture and values.” The organization did not publicly disclose details of the findings.
In the lawsuit, Best disputes those claims, alleging the board used false accusations of financial misconduct and poor leadership as a pretext to remove her. She also claims she was excluded from key financial oversight responsibilities and not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before her termination.
The complaint further alleges retaliation tied to her efforts to discipline a staff member and raise concerns about internal practices.
Best also accuses the arts council of defamation, alleging it made false statements to third parties — including media outlets — that she misappropriated funds, harming her professional reputation.
Best filed discrimination charges with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in January 2025, receiving a right-to-sue letter in January 2026.
Following her dismissal, Best retained legal counsel and publicly denied the allegations, calling the organization “classist, racist, sexist,” and seeking compensation and a formal apology.
The lawsuit seeks back pay, damages and other relief.
A GHAC spokesperson declined to comment on the substance of the lawsuit.
“It is our policy not to comment on matters involving pending litigation,” the spokesperson said. “We remain focused on the overall mission of the GHAC and will allow the legal process to take its course.”
The arts council has not yet filed a response in court.
