He told the Dayton Daily News the filing stemmed from his pending divorce and “has nothing to do with my ability to do my job.”
On Wednesday, the organization said this in response to the newspaper’s request to speak with board Chairwoman Pamela Morris:
“The Board of Directors of United Way of the Greater Dayton Area is pleased with the work of our local United Way, and we will remain focused on our mission and our annual giving campaign. The previously reported personal matter will not detract from our work in improving the lives of the individuals we serve.”
The newspaper sought to clarify whether the board continues to support Elijah as president and CEO. United Way spokeswoman Jayne Klose declined to elaborate on the statement.
Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman, a United Way board member, expressed support for Elijah.
“Allen’s done a great job of leading the United Way the last few years,” she said.
Board member Willie Thorpe, a local labor leader, said he also supports Elijah and said he didn’t think the bankruptcy filing would undermine the board’s support of him.
“He’s a real strong leader,” Thorpe said. “He does a real good job.”
Lieberman and Thorpe said Morris had corresponded with board members by email Wednesday about the prepared statement. Morris couldn’t be reached for comment late Wednesday.
In his bankruptcy filing, Elijah valued his assets at $213,396 and his liabilities at $221,044. His listed his consumer credit debt at $36,314, and he reported owing $13,535 in student loans.
He reported being a co-debtor on $4,351 in unpaid federal income taxes for 2009. He also reported an average monthly income of $11,493.
Chapter 13 filings require those meeting a “means test” to develop a five-year repayment plan, which allows unsecured creditors to recover part or all of what they are owed.
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