CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — The United Way is defending its decision to settle with former executive director Gloria Pace King for $700,000 thereby avoiding litigation over her wrongful termination lawsuit.
There are close to 100 United Way agencies serving metro Charlotte. Eyewitness News spoke to the directors of several agencies, and they said the settlement was a mixed blessing.
Many directors admitted they're afraid many donors will be upset at the size of the settlement, but they are still relieved this lingering controversy is behind them.
"The agency executives have moved forward, the United Way has moved forward, and we really hope this will help the community move forward," said Julia Sain, the director of Disability Rights and Resources, a United Way agency serving four counties.
Sain supported the decision to settle with former director Gloria Pace King for $700,000. King was fired in summer 2008 after financial records revealed she earned more than $1 million in total compensation.
The current United Way director said fighting King in court would cost even more money, and be a public relations nightmare.
"Anytime there is litigation, or a legal situation, you have to make the best decision. And I think in this case the best decision was made," said Jane McIntyre.
The United Way will only pay a third of King's settlement, the rest comes from insurance.
Many agency directors said the large settlement could hurt fundraising in the short-term, but they agreed it was the right move.
"We've gotten through the controversy, we've moved forward, and I'm just glad to have everything behind us now," Sain said.
The United Way said the $233,000 it'll pay King will not come out of current campaign funds. King is also entitled to the pension that she has earned from 14 years with the company. United Way officials did not reveal how much she will earn from that pension.