Brian A. Gallagher, who has led United Way Worldwide, the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit, since 2009, abruptly announced his resignation amid allegations that the charity abused domestic allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination.
Gallagher’s resignation, announced in a farewell note, will take effect March 1. The group’s board of directors plans to announce an interim CEO before he leaves.
In November, following complaints from three former workers to the Commission for Equal Employment Opportunities and published reports on HuffPost, United Way Worldwide hired a law firm to investigate the claims and how the nonprofit management handled them. Last week, the firm, Proskauer Rose, concluded that the management of the complaints by management was adequate and that the dismissals “were based on legitimate, non-discriminatory and non-retaliatory grounds.”
Gallagher said in his farewell note that the publication of the report made him decide to go up to his planned departure.
Gallagher wrote to his colleagues, “We were actively working for a transition for me some time later, in 2021, at the conclusion of a CEO search process.” “But I and the board think it’s better for United Way if I leave the post of CEO sooner. It was important to me that this period continue so that my colleagues and I could be free from any wrongdoing. This is done; and now seems the right time. “
Lisa Bowman, who was executive vice president and head of marketing at United Way Worldwide until she said she was fired by Gallagher in retaliation for reporting sexual harassment by another executive, said the investigation “did not it was fair, balanced or comprehensive ”because the researchers did not talk to any of the women involved.
“I was pleased to learn that United Way has decided to do the right thing and make a change of leadership,” Bowman told the Associated Press. “This was a necessary step, but only the first step, towards creating a safe and equitable job where women were treated with respect and allowed to reach their full potential.”
Bowman’s complaint to the EEOC is still pending.
“I hope United Way takes this opportunity to listen and learn, so that it can continue and improve its important work of supporting communities around the world,” he said.
United Way Worldwide oversees charity work in 1,800 communities in more than 40 countries.
Gallagher, who began his career at United Way in 1981, worked at five local United Ways before becoming president and CEO of United Way of America in 2002. He took over the helm of United Way Worldwide in 2009.
“We are grateful for Brian’s four decades of leadership and service on behalf of the United Way mission,” Dr. Juliette Tuakli, chair of United Way Worldwide’s board of directors, wrote in a statement. “Brian has always said that a great leader of the United Way is the one who puts the interests of the community first, his organization later and his own interests last. Brian embodied that standard. “
United Way Worldwide officials had declined to comment in recent weeks on rumors from local United Ways that they were withholding payment of their dues due to allegations of misconduct. But Gallagher acknowledged that his departure comes at a difficult time for United Way Worldwide, which recently instituted some layoffs at its Alexandria, Virginia headquarters, and temporary pay cuts for senior staff.
“It’s been a very difficult year,” Gallagher wrote to his colleagues. “The global pandemic, the resulting economic consequences and serious inequalities in our communities have caused great suffering for many. United Ways ’response around the world and at United Way Worldwide has been inspiring. We went back to our roots helping the most needy with all the necessary means and we did it together; a lesson we should take forward. “
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