Days after the tumultuous resignation of United Way of Greater Cincinnati CEO Michael Johnson, the nonprofit’s board chair has also stepped down. As the dust settles, the organization’s interim CEO has promised an internal audit of workplace conditions and racial equity concerns.
UWGC announced in a statement Friday that Julia Poston would no longer lead the organization’s board of directors.
In a letter explaining her resignation, Poston says she is leaving in order to eliminate distraction from the “unproductive debate” around Johnson’s departure, which has been marked by turbulence and accusations of discriminatory animus against him.
“As dedicated as I am to my service as UWGC Board Chair, it is clear to me that we can’t be distracted by this unproductive debate that feels singularly focused on my role,” she wrote. “No matter the “fairness” of the debate; we must focus on moving forward constructively.”
Johnson took a leave of absence from his role at UWGC late last month. In an Oct. 26 email to the nonprofit’s board, Johnson alleged that a “hostile work environment” and “subtle threats” were making it difficult to do his job.
“She is unfairly attacking my credibility with key stakeholders and creating challenges within our organization,” Johnson wrote of Poston in that letter, first reported by WCPO and The Cincinnati Enquirer.
Johnson also alleged that he was not made aware of financial difficulties facing UWGC when he took the job — difficulties that could threaten key United Way programs. Fundraising difficulties faced by UWGC — similar to those facing United Way organizations across the country — could mean 20 percent cuts at the local organization.
Last week, after Johnson’s email became public, UWGC announced that he would exit the organization on amicable terms.
“Thank you Cincinnati for making me uncomfortable,” Johnson wrote after his departure was announced. “This is what leadership is all about and I believe my time here will help address some of the underlying challenges the region faces.”
A group of prominent African American leaders has protested Johnson’s treatment, saying his departure is indicative of the resistance black leaders often face in Cincinnati. Johnson’s supporters have pointed out his short tenure — he served just three months — his positive results at his former job and his presence in the community — including his active role during the city’s struggle around downtown tent cities — as reasons he was a great fit for UWGC.
On Nov. 1, Councilwoman Tamaya Dennard joined calls supporting Johnson and asking for Poston’s departure.
“Michael Johnson was exactly who we needed at the helm of United Way Greater Cincinnati,” Dennard said in her letter. “He was ready to challenge the systems that have created such inequality and poverty in our region. I was impressed by him immediately. I’m sad to see him go, especially under these circumstances. He wasn’t allowed to be the CEO he was hired to be. Michael’s departure is another instance of a larger issue of retaining black leadership in Cincinnati.”
Later that day, 30 staff members from the United Way signed a letter also asking Poston— and UWGC’s entire executive committee — to leave. Five of those staff members signed anonymously, but the rest signed their full names.
“Michael was an inspiration to many of us,” the letter from UWGC’s staff says. “He challenged the status quo and emboldened our team to do the same. We mourn his loss. But in the short time he was with us, there is no doubt that he has left behind a legacy. He has created a stronger, more resilient team who is willing, and now able to say with more commitment than ever that we WILL unite communities to change lives, like Michael Johnson changed ours.”
Poston, who had served on UWGC’s board since 2008 and became its chair last year, resigned the next morning during a board of directors meeting. Board Chair-elect Tim Elsbrock will take her place.
Johnson will return to Madison, Wisconsin to head the Dane County Boys and Girls Club, a position he held for eight years before coming to Cincinnati. UWGC Senior Vice President Ross Meyer is serving as the organization’s interim CEO.
In a Nov. 2 statement, Meyer said UWGC is committed to joining with other organizations to discuss issues around racial equity, and will also undertake a racial equity audit and workplace culture assessment at UWGC.
“We are all part of the change that must happen together,” he wrote. “I am proud of the work United Way has done and continues to do to help change systems and break barriers that hold people back. We have much work to do. That is clear. But our call to unite will always be the guiding principle for us at United Way.”
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 7, 2018.