United Way looks to rebuild trust

A report released this week details how a $2 million compensation package was approved for the former CEO of Charlotte's United Way. Agency officials hope the report is the gateway to recovering their credibility. The United Way of Central Carolinas has a lot of work to do in rebuilding trust. Board Chairman Carlos Evans readily admits that. But he also believes they've made great strides in the months since the CEO pay scandal surfaced. For example, board meetings are now open to the public and the minutes are posted online. The board also agreed to have a full internal review of the scandal made public before finding out what damning evidence the report included. And Evans says, the United Way has already slimmed down. "We are moving toward a leaner, more efficient United Way," says Evans. "Every dollar we can save of administrative costs is another dollar to agencies." Interim CEO Mac Everett says he's cut about a $1.5 million from next year's budget through actions that include layoffs. Evans says the United Way is also exploring options to get out of its contract with the former CEO to pay her $290,000 base salary for two more years. On January 15th, the United Way board will meet to make changes in the agency's structure and policies in hopes of avoiding another pay scandal.