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United Way board chair, CEO resign; charity in midst of drop in contributions

313 views · Published 6 November 2018 · 1:59 · Indexed 5 October 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2018 · News & Politics

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CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Just days after the United Way of Greater Cincinnati announced its CEO would be stepping down, Board Chair Julia Poston resigned.

Posted resigned at the end of the Board of Directors meeting on Nov. 2.

In a letter to the board, Poston said her role on the Search Committee that oversaw the search that led to CEO Michael Johnson played a part in her decision:

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.
This comes at a financially challenging time for the agency and the thousands of people it helps. From helping the needy to fighting the opioid epidemic, United Way-funded agencies serve 300,000 people in greater Cincinnati. And even without the shake-up at the top, United Way is dealing with a major challenge.

"We are facing a really unprecedented moment right now from a fundraising standpoint," said Ross Mayer, United Way's interim CEO.

Contributions are down $10 million in just four years. Fewer dollars mean fewer people can be assisted.

"Children aren't going to have access to after-school programs. People aren't going to have access to job training programs or mental health counseling. The list goes on and on," said Mayer.

There are several reasons why contributions are down at United Way here and at similar agencies across the country. First of all, a lot of businesses no longer take part in United Way-type campaigns. You make one contribution and it's divvied up. And second, changes in the tax code have meant fewer people are making charitable contributions.

Now, add in the departure of United Way's first-ever African-American director, followed by the board chair's resignation, and you have an even bigger challenge getting people to contribute.

"Without a doubt, this is a deeply painful moment for our organization, certainly, but more importantly for our community and we have a lot of healing to do," Mayer said.

This year's annual fundraising drive ends Nov. 14.

United Way stated they did not ask Johnson to resign and that they "agreed to amicably part ways." Johnson's last day will be Nov. 15. Neither the United Way nor Johnson have said what led to his resignation.

Tim Elsbrock is currently the chair-elect of the board. He will become acting chair until the board hires a new chair.

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