COO Donna Westmoreland to lead IMP as Hurwitz prepares to let "the legal process take its course."

Seth Hurtwitz is stepping aside from his role as chairman of I.M.P. while the police investigation and potential prosecution of his Aug. 21 solicitation of prostitution charge winds its way through the legal system.

Hurwitz announced in an email sent to his staff Saturday night (Aug. 24) that the company's long time chief operating officer Donna Westmoreland would now manage his concert promotion and venue management company -- which owns the 9:30 Club in Washington and books the city's Lincoln Theatre and Anthem nightclub, as well as the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md.

"As anyone who knows our concert and venue businesses well is aware, I don’t have much to do with actually running them these days, but to eliminate distraction, I’m stepping aside for the time being until the matter is resolved," Hurwitz wrote.

"As always, Donna Westmoreland, our COO, will be at the helm. She’s been with us for 29 years and has been the leading force of the company for about a dozen years, so together with Melanie Cantwell and her booking team and Ed Stack running production, as well as each of the venue managers -- and all of you -- I know this will be seamless."

Hurwitz was arrested by the Montgomery County Police after a massage therapist contacted police to report that she had been sexually solicited the day prior by a man named "Seth" who had called her to book a massage. She told police that during the massage, Seth “Googled’ himself and showed her the results, then made inappropriate sexual comments and motions and implied she would receive a bigger tip for performing sex acts.

Police identified the man as Hurwitz and arrested him Wednesday (Aug. 21) when he arrived at the masseuse’s office. His communications with the massage therapist had been monitored by police, who presented him with texts and copies of statements he made prior to his arrest, leading him to admit he had tried to arrange for paid sexual services in advance of his visit.

His email to his staff did not say how long he would be stepping down from his role as chairman of I.M.P. After the letter ends, Westmoreland addressed the staff in an attached letter, telling employees "it's because of all of you that we’re able to put on 750 shows in a single year -- something no other independent company I know of can do."

Both letters are reprinted in their entirety below.

To all staff:



As I’ve said previously, I’m very sorry for any embarrassment and stress that my situation is causing all of you. I don’t want this to affect the amazing work that you do or impact how you make our venues what they are. That wouldn’t be fair.

As anyone who knows our concert and venue businesses well is aware, I don’t have much to do with actually running them these days, but to eliminate distraction, I’m stepping aside for the time being until the matter is resolved. As always, Donna Westmoreland, our COO, will be at the helm. She’s been with us for 29 years and has been the leading force of the company for about a dozen years, so together with Melanie Cantwell and her booking team and Ed Stack running production, as well as each of the venue managers – and all of you – I know this will be seamless.

I want to let the legal process take its course without my issue getting in the way of our business. I’m looking forward to a positive resolution to my situation and thank you as always for all you do to make us the company we are.



See you in a while...but not right now.

-Seth

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



First, I want to thank you all for your patience and commitment to the company at this time. It’s because of all of you that we’re able to put on 750 shows in a single year -- something no other independent company I know of can do.



I want to be sure you remember that we have Human Resources professionals available for your questions and concerns at HR@930.com. Additionally, I am available by phone, email, or in person if you’d like to discuss any of this further. I appreciate you and look forward to working together on another great season of wowing bands and customers alike with our hospitality.



With great respect,

Donna