United Way of Logan County Executive Director Dave Bezusko provided perspective from the local organization this week after longtime United Way Worldwide CEO Brian Gallagher resigned his position Tuesday.
An article about the resignation from the Associate Press appeared in Wednesday’s edition of the Examiner.
Gallagher had been accused of sexual harassment and discrimination. Last week, the findings of an internal investigation cleared him of wrongdoing. But there remained much dissatisfaction from many members across the United Way network and Gallagher agreed to step down.
Bezusko said this transition does not affect the local United Way’s day-to-day operations, but it does put the United Way name and brand into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
“For perspective, in my 18 years with United Way, I have never had a single personal interaction with Brian Gallagher. The situation does not represent the way we do business in here in Logan County and disappoints us too.
“That’s because United Way of Logan County fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Logan County. We value, champion, and embrace diversity in all aspects of our activity and respect others without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, national origin or ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified disabled or handicapped individual.”
The United Way of Logan County is an independent and autonomous 501c3 organization, affiliated in name to United Way Worldwide.
“We are members, not a chapter, of the national organization,” Bezusko said. “That allows us to use the widely recognized brand and logo, seamlessly share and process donor gifts across county lines, and receive training for staff and volunteers.
“We acknowledge the trust our donors, corporate partners, and Funded Agencies put in us and do not take your support for granted as we work together to accomplish the philanthropic goals and meet the human service needs of Logan County. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for choosing to live united.”
The United Way of Logan County’s website is www.uwlogan.org and phone number is (937) 592-2886.