CLEVELAND — Amid a turbulent period that saw the ouster of multiple top administrators, the Cleveland Ballet officially has a new leader, with the Board of Directors appointing interim President and CEO Larry Goodman to both full-time positions.
Previously a member of the Board, Goodman had been serving as CEO on a temporary basis since December. He replaces co-founder Michael Krasnyansky, who was forced to resign last fall in the middle of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
"Personally, I am just thrilled," Goodman said in a statement. "I have resounding respect for the team and talent within this organization. It is an honor to work with such a passionate group of individuals who are entrusted with securing world-class ballet for our region for years to come."
3News Investigates first reported on issues at the company this past fall, speaking to a former instructor who claimed she was let go in a case of body size discrimination by Artistic Director Gladisa Guadalupe, Krasyansky's wife and fellow co-founder. Both Guadalupe and Krasnyansky were suspended days later, and while the Board denied its own independent probe had anything to do with those allegations, the inquiry did not begin until after 3News Investigates approached officials with these claims.
After "serious and disturbing allegations" against Krasnyansky became apparent, the Board "demanded his resignation," and in January the results of the investigations confirmed accusations of inappropriate touching or sexual harassment from at least 16 former dancers and employees. Guadalupe was also fired and the Ballet severed ties with her dance academy, with both she and her husband found to have fostered a toxic work environment that included a "pattern of intimidation and retaliation against dancers and staff, egregious misconduct, financial irregularities, and self-dealing."
Howard Bender briefly stepped in as interim president and CEO through the company's performances of "The Nutcracker," with Goodman taking over shortly thereafter. The Academy of Cleveland Ballet has also since opened, filling the void previously filled by Guadalupe's School of Cleveland Ballet.
Besides his work with the Ballet, Goodman has served on several school boards over the past three decades, including as chair of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools. He has a Ph.D. in English language and literature from the University of Chicago, and he and his wife Anne now live in Cleveland.
"In just three months, Larry has been instrumental in securing a future for ballet in Cleveland and the region with a lot of hard work and support from his staff, dancers, the community, the board of directors, and donors," Chairman of the Board Michael Frank wrote. "Larry has focused on creating a roadmap for fiscal responsibility and artistic beauty that is the foundation for a thriving organization and along the way recommitted his passion for the organization with a desire to continue beyond his interim role."
The Cleveland Ballet is currently preparing for its performances of "Sleeping Beauty," with shows scheduled from April 25-27 at Playhouse Square.