Minneapolis, MN – Anime Detour, a popular annual anime convention held in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, has undergone a significant leadership shakeup following the results of two internal investigations. The convention, which draws thousands of fans of Japanese animation, comics, and culture, is organized by a volunteer-run board of directors. Recent events have brought internal conflicts to the forefront, resulting in the removal of key figures and a restructuring of the organization’s leadership.
Anime Detour provides a space for fans to connect over their shared interests, featuring panels, workshops, screenings, cosplay events, and a bustling vendor hall. Like many fan-run conventions, its operations rely heavily on the effort of volunteers who form its organizing committee and board. The board of directors is responsible for the overall management and direction of the convention, handling finances, logistics, and addressing internal and external issues.
The recent controversy stems from complaints lodged against Coordinator Troy MacDonald and board member Kristen Loth. These complaints triggered separate investigations conducted by an external legal team. The results of these investigations were presented at a recent board meeting, leading to decisive action.
The investigation into Troy MacDonald uncovered credible allegations of workplace harassment, the creation of a hostile work environment, and misuse of corporate funds, according to a report issued to the organization’s board of directors. Following the presentation of these findings, the board held a vote of no confidence in Mr. MacDonald. This was followed by votes to remove him from his Coordinator position and to ban him from all Anime Detour events for a minimum of one year.Kristen Loth was also subject to an investigation regarding the sharing of confidential information. The board subsequently voted to remove her from the executive team, demoting her to a general staff position.
The impact of these investigations extended beyond the individual cases. The board also conducted a no-confidence vote for the entire executive team, which included Brittany Hecker, Kristen Loth, and Morgan Niemeyer. This vote resulted in their demotion from executive roles to general staff. In the interim, department heads will report directly to the board until a new coordinator is appointed.
Further fueling the internal turmoil, the board rescinded a series of staffing bans previously imposed by the now-demoted executive team. The board cited inadequate justification for these bans and expressed concern over their timing, which occurred shortly before elections.
Looking ahead, the board has announced plans to post an application for the open Coordinator position within the next week. They also emphasized their commitment to transparency and encouraged anyone with further information or concerns, particularly regarding alleged misuse of funds, to contact them directly. The board expressed a desire to move forward and focus on planning the next Anime Detour convention. The upcoming election results, announced after 8 PM, will likely play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the organization.
This series of events highlights the challenges faced by volunteer-run organizations and the importance of clear policies and procedures in maintaining a healthy and productive environment.
A screenshot of the notes is herein.