Newsroom Update

A Statement on Recent United Way Worldwide Leadership

November 8, 2022 – In 2021, United Way Worldwide’s (UWW) CEO Brian Gallagher stepped down from his role after allegations of harassment and negligence were reported within the organization. His last day with United Way Worldwide was March 1, 2021.

With the recent release of UWW 2021 financial statements, we are disappointed to learn that upon his resignation, Brian Gallagher received more than $3.5 million in 2021 compensation through a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and a severance package.

We believe this compensation to be highly irresponsible, particularly considering the financial and cultural state in which Mr. Gallagher left the organization upon his departure in March 2021.

New Leadership with Angela Williams

Since Brian Gallagher’s resignation, Angela Williams was been named the new CEO of UWW and started her role on October 15, 2021. Over the last year, Rev. Williams has recruited a new Board and has prioritized creating a safe and equitable workplace at United Way Worldwide. She also hopes to deepen UWW’s commitment to community by pursuing equitable solutions for needs identified by local voices.  

We are encouraged by the initial steps Rev. Williams has taken to steer the organization in a positive direction, and we hope that the changes in Board membership will reflect a Board that is capable of responsible fiscal management and sound decision-making that was not practiced by the previous Board during Brian Gallagher’s time at United Way Worldwide

About Us, Your Local United Way

We are an independent, local member of the United Way network, and we had no control over the decision to offer Mr. Gallagher this compensation. We are a fully local nonprofit with a board of directors and staff based in Richmond, Virginia. Our programs and community investments are focused entirely on serving 11 localities in the Greater Richmond & Petersburg region. Here are some additional details concerning our finances:

  • Our President & CEO does not receive any sort of supplemental retirement compensation package. All employees—regardless of position—have access to the same retirement savings plan options.
  • Our local governing Board of Directors is committed to ethical and responsible decision-making, particularly when it comes to financial planning.
  • Our latest financial information, including our 2021 tax return is available on our website at www.YourUnitedWay.org/who-we-are/financials.

Although the actions of the previous United Way Worldwide leadership are disappointing and inexcusable, we believe the future is bright, and we are hopeful that people in positions of power will do the right thing during this challenging time.

Contact

Questions related to our statement or other matters related to United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg may be directed to organization leadership:

Barbara Couto Sipe
President & CEO
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg
sipeb@yourunitedway.org
(804) 775-6431

Joan Marable
Interim Vice President of Marketing & Communications
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg
marablej@yourunitedway.org
(804) 771-5820

Any media inquiries regarding United Way Worldwide should contact United Way Worldwide directly:

Omoiye Kinney
Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
United Way Worldwide
omoiye.kinney@uww.unitedway.org