If you thought that lessons had been learned by the United Way Worldwide board after its B. Gallagher experience and internal cultural dysfunction, don't! According to the Nonprofit Times and other sources, "United Way Worldwide (UWW) installed the chair of its U.S.A. board, Neeraj Mehta, as interim president and CEO of the organization effective March 1. That’s the day current leader Brian Gallagher announced he will step down." I know from experience that change does not come from an organization when the board has failed and then chooses it's own leadership to serve as interim when the source of failure has resigned (but without admitting fault (sound familiar)? So, as while Mr. Mehta comes to the paid leadership following serving as Board Chair of the United Way, this same individual continues to sing praises for the previous leader who despite his protests, evidence suggests that he did indeed fail, at least around creating a culture that was safe, inclusive and supportive of all its employees. That the board threw its support behind the now departed exec only indicates how they too have failed. Bottom line, the values of the failed exec are shared by the board that failed to look beyond the legal well-being of United Way. Sad!
Here's copy from the Nonprofit Times on this subject.
......Mehta has served on multiple for-profit and nonprofit boards and has been an advocate for diversity, including support of GE’s internal and external Asian Pacific American groups.
“I am pleased that such an experienced leader as Neeraj has agreed to step into this role during this critical time,” said United Way Worldwide Board Chair Juliette Tuakli, M.D.
“I have been so impressed with the work that the United Way Worldwide team does to support our United Way Network and communities across the globe,” Mehta said. “The hurdles we are facing are daunting, but not insurmountable, but challenging times also present great opportunities. So, as we turn our attention to finding our next leader, I am confident that we will come through this stronger and ready to continue providing the support and care our communities need.”
In a letter to United Way affiliates and staff on the day his departure was announced, Gallagher said there was no merit found to allegations of misconduct after the organization thoroughly investigated them. “There is no evidence of a toxic or hostile culture. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely, just like almost any other workplace,” he wrote. “I am proud of my life-long commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. I am equally proud of the work done in those areas by our team at United Way Worldwide. Our commitment is real and our work is effective. This entire episode will not diminish United Way Worldwide’s commitment to the right of every woman, or any person, to come forward with any concern they might have, and to be heard and protected in that process.”
Tuakli and Mehta said in a joint statement released after the investigation: “The investigation was completed in a thorough, thoughtful, and dutiful manner, while also recognizing the urgency of the situation at hand.”
In addition to the EEOC complaints, as many as 200 affiliates apparently have been considering withholding dues to the national office this year, according to reports published by The Huffington Post.