The Heinz Endowments — a Pittsburgh-based philanthropic organization that has given millions to both supporters and opponents of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) — has caused a stir with its abrupt dismissal of its environmental program director, and indications it will be going in new directions.

In an email, Caren Glotfelty, who joined the charity in 2000, told colleagues that her last day at work was Aug. 8. She did not elaborate on her dismissal, other than to say that “changes are taking place” at the organization. Glotfelty said Bobby Vagt would serve as acting program director and Phil Johnson would assist with the transition.

“There has been a very recent change in my employment status…I only learned about it late last week,” Glotfelty said. “While this news will naturally create feelings of uncertainty for the future of your individual and collaborative efforts, I know Bobby and Phil will have your best interests at heart.”

In a separate statement to the media, Glotfelty said “the board has indicated that it is moving in a different direction with regard to the environment program, and it is clear to me that this is the right moment to leave.” Again, she did not elaborate.

Carmen Lee, spokeswoman for the Heinz Endowments, which was originally funded by the founders of Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Co. during the last century, declined to comment on the matter. According to Heinz Endowments’ records, the charity awarded 19 grants totaling $2.37 million to universities and organizations for a variety of Marcellus Shale studies and directives from 2009 to 2012, the latest year records were available.

Glotfelty’s dismissal triggered speculation over the charity’s direction on fracking. The Heinz Endowments joined a diverse coalition to form the Center for Sustainable Shale Development (CSSD) in March (see NGI, March 25). The CSSD’s industry participants are Chevron Corp., Consol Energy Inc., EQT Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell plc. The William Penn Foundation, another charity, is also a member.

“I’m sure if there is any implication for us, Heinz will make that clear,” CSSD President Andrew Place said of Glotfelty’s departure. “We have no further insight than anybody else out there has.”

Beverly Braverman, executive director of the Mountain Watershed Association (MWA), told NGIshe was “distressed” by the news. “I hope that the reason that she’s leaving is not because of a shift in policy surrounding the Marcellus gas activities that are going on in the state, and I hope that it is not because of the Heinz Endowments’ support of the CSSD,” Braverman said. “But I honestly do not know.”

The Heinz Endowments awarded 19 grants totaling $2.37 million awarded for a variety of Marcellus Shale-focused activities from 2009 to 2012.