Mr Willingham wasn't on the Pilgrim's EC. Neither was I. But that is were I took a keen interest in his background. Mr Willingham just about blew it in Pilgrims, in that his shenanigans almost prevented an EC from being formed, imo. Since I held a decent position in Pilgrims, and I was familiar with Pilgrims and some of my relatives worked for Pilgrims, I took it upon myself to do some digging on Mr Willingham.
I don't know when or where he decided to try to make a living either taking post confirmation positions or pre confirmation paid representation via EC appointments, but it has led to some 'interesting' actions on his part.
I'm not saying he is self-dealing and breaching his fiduciary duty to line his own pockets, but I am saying I have seen this very thing up close and personal and I have no reason to believe this time is anything different given his checkered past. Where there's smoke, there must be fire.....and he needs some carbon credits.
I'd have to be on a committee with him to know the entire truth, and that day may well come. I hope it does. If I can be fortunate enough to get on the committee when it is initially formed, I'll try to make sure the by-laws are written in such a way that the committee can put the 'kabosh' on any self dealing or prevent it all together.
The first sign an EC is about to be corrupted is when an ad hoc group lands positions on an official EC and they want to bring on their lawyers and financial advisor that were representing them on the ad hoc committee. Bad move. Don't allow the HF that hired them to be the chair either. Another bad move. If that doesn't work and you get out-voted, ask that a stipulation be put in the bylaws that if any member directly contacts the debtors concerning a material transaction, that they be prevented from receiving a distribution. If they raise hell, you already know what the future will hold. Out them from the start, kick their arse to the curb, or hope that you are able to pull the titanic back to the surface once it is already half way down. It can be done, but it is hard and it is ugly and you'll need some luck.
Mr Willingham? Yeah, I know where he lives, his number, other relevant information, and I'm sure he knows the same on me.
I took a beat down because of insider self dealing on my first committee. I was appointed late on that one too. I've kind of got a personal chip on my shoulder to make it back 10 fold. First, because I hate a crook, and second, because the masses that depend on these committees for representation need a fair shake.
That said, if you find that I have been appointed to a committee from day one, rest assured somebody on that committee won't like it. And if you see me appointed late, I may be there on a janitorial mission. Not only does it take a serious set to clean up a mess, you also have to know what you're doing and be able to convince others to take the votes and proper actions that will 'right the wrongs'. Not easy, but rewarding if accomplished.
