Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — Heifer Foundation replaced its president and chief executive Thursday amid an investigation into allegations of copyright infringement and plagiarism.

Janet K. Ginn agreed to step down as chief officer of the fundraising arm of Heifer International, the foundation said, to be replaced by Chief Financial Officer Ardyth Neill. The foundation board is to conduct a search for a permanent replacement.

The Heifer Foundation board and outside legal counsel conducted the investigation that resulted in the mutual decision for Ginn to step down, the organization said.

“Whether true or not, we cannot allow allegations of improper conduct to distract from the life-changing work of the Heifer organization, our people and our generous donors,” Heifer Foundation Board Chairman Ronald H. McLean said in a release.

Spokesman Greg Spradlin said the foundation would offer no additional comment.

Heifer Foundation was established by the board of Little Rock-based Heifer International in 1990 to build an endowment to generate ongoing support for Heifer International’s global work to end hunger and poverty.