SPJA Staffers Resign to Make Statement

Anime News Network reports that at least 8 manager or assistant manager level staff members of the SPJA (Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation) have resigned from the company, and reportedly over 80% of the remaining staff are prepared to resign in response to unaddressed conflict with SPJA CEO Michael Lattanzio and Interim (Anime Expo) Con Chair Joyce Lim.

The SPJA, formally established as a non-profit fan-run organization in 1992, became a professional organization last year, hiring former NBC Universal executive Michael Lattanzio as its general manager. Conflict within the organization appears to stem from conflict between staffers who perceive the SPJA as an organization that values volunteer involvement and grassroots values, and Lattanzio, who apparently operates the organization as a “results-driven company” with the approach and expectations typically applied to any professional, for-profit organization. The dissenting SPJA staff are calling for the removal of Lattanzio and Lim, accusing Lattanzio of harming the SPJA’s marketing efforts by ending the organization’s employment of the BAM! publicity firm; misuse of funds including purchase of business class plane tickets instead of less expensive seats; and marginalizing the traditional assistance provided by SPJA volunteers. Lattanzio has defended himself, saying that BAM! Marketing was terminated for being unproductive, citing that all of his business expenses have been properly approved in advance by the SPJA board, and that accusations of his disregard for volunteers has been misinterpreted.