FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1 November 2018
United Way Employees Weigh-in on Recent Events

We unite communities to change lives. The employees of United Way of Greater Cincinnati whole-
heartedly believe this and it’s the driving force behind why we choose to come to work every day. Our
employees work vigilantly to help ensure a vision of a more equitable community. And yet, the recent
events surrounding the exit of our new CEO, Michael Johnson, causes us to realize we have more work
to do, starting with our own house.

This is a watershed moment and there must be accountability for us to realize the progress we so
desperately want for our community, and our organization. Over the past several days, we have had
many honest conversations amongst our team to determine how we will move forward, and who must be
held accountable.

First, many of us do not agree with the statement released by the board and we do not support the
actions of Julia Poston, UWGC’s board chair, and the board’s Executive Committee. Like everyone else,
we do not know the full details, but we do know this - Ms. Poston and the Executive Committee’s actions
resulted in the loss of Michael Johnson from our organization, and our community. The decision to
separate from Michael Johnson was made without consulting the more than 100 people that are
employed by UWGC. While the Executive Committee has the right to make this decision, their lack of
consideration for employees has demonstrated that they are either uncaring of our opinions or they did
not deem them worthy of consideration. Due to this, we believe it is in the best interest of the future of
our organization to seek fresh leadership that aligns with and is considerate of the values of our
employees. We would welcome all members of the Executive Committee to consider resigning, and we
demand the removal of Julia Poston as board chair.

Second, we understand that we, as employees, are not blameless. We’ve spent many days as a team
having tough conversations about how a situation such as this could occur when so many were thrilled at
Michael’s arrival. Our team has come to recognize that we must speak up and not be silent. For United
Way and its employees to help create the community free from racism, discrimination and implicit bias,
we need to create an organization that is intolerant of these actions. Our organization must earn a seat at
our community’s table, and we’re ready to start working to earn the trust of our city, starting with this
letter.

Finally, there are some structural changes that need to occur to make sure we reflect the communities we
serve. We will make sure our staff, volunteers, and board members take part in bias and cultural
sensitivity training. We will ensure the composition of our board is reflective of the diversity we see in our
communities. And, we will ensure that our organization sets in place metrics to ensure we are making
progress in these areas. Lastly, to ensure transparency and connectedness between the board and
employees, we are asking for board meetings to be opened to employees.

Michael was an inspiration to many of us. 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.

Sincerely,
Mariana Padilla
Treva Brinkley
Anonymous
Amber Brown
Laura Ford-Harris
Terry Sherrer
Laura Wellerding
Elizabeth Berk
Sharmaine Culbreth
Sarah Ghee
Emma Crouser
Johanna Navarro
Anonymous
Annie Ryan
Analisa Condon
Matthew Gellin
Alex Chamness
Maggie Shell
Tiffany Vitagliano
Amanda Greenwell
Yolanda Miller
Karyl Cunningham
Susan Grosse
Anonymous
Jennifer Williams
Brett Jager
Anonymous
Anonymous
Amy Weber
Emma Chaney