NAACP to cut staff, close offices

BALTIMORE, June 8 (UPI) -- The NAACP, a leading U.S. civil rights group, plans drastic staff cuts and will close its regional offices to save money.

The group's interim president and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Hayes, said the number of staffers working in the national office in Baltimore will be reduced to 70 from 119, The Washington Post reported. The NAACP plans to close its seven regional offices, at least temporarily.

Bruce Gordon, a former Verizon executive who became NAACP president in 2005, resigned in March. When he took the helm, supporters said someone with business experience would be able to attract large donations and bring the NAACP's finances into line.

Gordon, who reportedly had a poor relationship with NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, said the group has filled an important role for 98 years.

"In order to stay on that path, it needs to be healthy. It is not healthy. When I arrived, it was not healthy," he told the Post. "I am disappointed that I didn't accomplish all the goals I set out to accomplish."