WV Caring Rehires Former President Amid Bullying Allegations

WV Caring, an Arthurdale-based hospice organization, has rehired Malene Davis as chief visionary officer and founding president. Davis previously served as president and CEO of the company and its D.C.-area affiliate, Capital Caring, before resigning in July 2018 amid allegations of bullying employees and excessive spending of company funds. Her return to the organization came in March 2019, with a salary of $150,000, significantly lower than her previous compensation but higher than other senior staff at WV Caring.

In an email exchange, WV Caring expressed enthusiasm for Davis’s return, highlighting her role as a founder and her dedication to improving care for terminally ill patients. Board chair Kim Larew emphasized Davis’s long-standing influence in hospice care, her community involvement, and her expertise in both business and nursing. Davis had also served as an unpaid volunteer for several months prior to her rehire.

Davis’s resignation followed the release of a series of investigative reports by The Dominion Post, which were based on a dossier provided to the Capital Caring board by individuals closely associated with the company. The investigation, conducted by the international law firm McGuireWoods, was initiated by the Capital Caring board and focused on allegations of wasteful spending and a hostile work environment.

The witnesses who provided the dossier alleged that Davis engaged in “luxurious and wasteful spending” of company funds, with approximately 90 percent of the organization’s finances coming from taxpayer sources such as Medicare and Medicaid. They also claimed that Davis fostered a culture of bullying and intimidation, with her leadership team, including a contracted consultant, complicit in the alleged misconduct.

The allegations against Davis were not limited to financial mismanagement. The witnesses further claimed that the company’s leadership allowed a hostile work environment to persist, undermining the well-being of employees and the organization’s mission. These claims, which were made public through the Dominion Post’s investigative reports, contributed to Davis’s decision to resign from her position.

The rehiring of Davis has sparked debate within the community and among stakeholders. While some have praised her experience and commitment to hospice care, others have raised concerns about the organization’s financial practices and the treatment of its employees. The situation underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in organizations that rely heavily on public funding.

The case reflects the broader challenges faced by religious and non-religious institutions in balancing their missions with the ethical and legal responsibilities that come with public trust. As the story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the need for integrity, fairness, and the protection of vulnerable individuals. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service, principles that should guide the actions of all who serve in positions of influence.

Source: Read the original report