The chair of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati is stepping down. Julia Poston's resignation comes days after the organization parted ways with its new CEO in a dispute that included allegations of discrimination and hostile working conditions.In a statement, the United Way says Poston, who has served on the board since 2008, resigned Friday morning during a Board of Directors meeting. Chair-elect Tim Elsbrock will serve as acting chair.
Earlier this week, now former CEO Michael Johnson went on leave after sending a letter to the board alleging he had been bullied and discriminated against by Poston.
The United Way issued a statement Wednesday saying the sides were agreeing to part ways.
In her resignation letter, Poston writes, "In the last week, we found ourselves at this difficult crossroad. I always wanted Michael and the United Way to succeed together and worked hard to make that happen, but in recent days, it became clear that it would be best for the United Way and for Michael to part ways."
She goes on to say she's "concluded that my stepping down from the Board would pave the way for focusing the dialogue on uniting and recommitting to our community and moving forward."
Johnson was hired in May from the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County in Wisconsin. In recent days he has said he wasn't given the full picture of the United Way's financial situation. The organization is facing cuts that could be as high as 20 percent, according to our news partner, WCPO.
