David Tillman, president and CEO of the Motion Picture Television Fund, is resigning, the fund announced Tuesday. Although the news came without warning, rumors of a shake-up of the MPTF hierarchy have been swirling for the past month -- and it's possible that Tillman's exit from the fund won't be the last.
No reason was given for his departure.
Tillman, who presided over the controversial closure of the Hollywood home for the aged's hospital and long-term care facility a year ago, will be replaced in the interim by Bob Beitcher, an MPTF board member since 2007.
“We are grateful to Dr. Tillman for his stewardship of the Fund. He has presided over a vast and complex health care and social service organization during challenging times with loyalty and dedication,” said Frank Mancuso and Joe Fischer, Chairmen of MPTF’s Corporate and Fund Boards, respectively, in a news release.
Tillman, a medical doctor, was criticized for taking a 20 percent pay raise, earning about $600,000 annually in 2007, while at the same time shutting down key services to the fund's most vulnerable residents -- about 60 of whom have declined to move.
At the time, Tillman's salary figure was characterized as "absolutely exorbitant” by nursing-home expert Betsy Hite of the California Association of Health Facilities, who said the average nursing home administrator makes in the neighborhood of $100,000.
Tillman's latest salary was unknown. The IRS has not posted documents disclosing Tillman's salary for 2008, though his 2007 salary was available in public documents at this time last year.
In the uproar raised in the Hollywood community over the decision to close two central parts of the Motion Picture and Television Fund home, Tillman has been virtually unseen. He has not given interviews or responded to numerous requests for comment from TheWrap. On a tour of the facility by Wrap reporters a few months ago, Tillman was not present.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Motion Picture and Television Fund for the past 10 years as President and CEO,” Tillman said in a prepared statement. “During this period, we have made a positive difference in the lives of many people. I am extremely grateful to have been part of that process. However, I believe the timing is right for me to resign my position. I am taking this action in my own best interests as well as in the best interest of the Fund.”
Almost from the moment of the surprise January 14, 2009 announcement of the fund's closure of the long-term care unit (colloquially known as the Motion Picture Home) and its adjacent inpatient hospital, a war has raged between the MPTF and residents who wish to remain on the 44-acre Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills.
A few dozen have moved, but many have declined to do so.
Last Saturday, actress Renee Taylor acknowledged the standoff at an auction
