Two senior National Wild Turkey Federation executives who were fired March 25 sued the organization and its governing board Friday, alleging their termination was the result of "a well orchestrated smear campaign" that involved lies and defamation.

Carl Brown, the group's chief operating officer and a 27-year employee, and Vice President Dick Rosenlieb, a 19-year employee, contend in separate complaints that their firings were based on false accusations leveled by unnamed members of NWTF's 18-person board. The actions were filed in Edgefield County Common Pleas Court.

In particular, according to Mr. Rosenlieb's complaint, board members falsely claimed that he accepted a free or discounted African safari trip from an outfitter the federation does business with, in violation of NWTF's internal rules. The board, using an outside consultant called The Krizner Group, also claimed that Mr. Brown fraudulently manipulated membership records, according to the complaint. Mr. Brown denies those allegations.

Although the NWTF, based in Edgefield, S.C., claims 550,000 members, it was a longstanding and routine practice to assign donated memberships to names of expired members, the lawsuit contends.

The federation's CEO, Rob Keck, was opposed to the firings, which were first proposed in an Oct. 26, 2007, board meeting. Mr. Keck resigned March 26 after the two plaintiffs were fired.

Both men claim the federation, its board members and counsel engaged in false and defamatory statements that were used to secure the firings. Their lawsuits ask for jury trials and unspecified actual and punitive damages.

The federation, which raises money for programs that benefit hunting, wildlife conservation and outdoor education, raised $67 million last year.

Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119 or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.