While it is clear that newly elected Ottawa County commissioners hired John Gibbs in January 2023 because they believed he shared their vision, it appears the two parties are in the process of terminating their contractual agreement. The impetus for the separation it is not entirely clear, but on February 22, 2024, Gibbs was placed on administrative leave.
Gibbs was hired on January 3, 2023, with a three-year contract. The no-cause termination clause requires 90 days written notice and approximately $160,000 severance pay. Termination with cause such as fraud, dishonesty, gross misconduct, or willful malfeasance can be immediate.
On February 23, 2024, on his Facebook page, Ottawa County Board Chairman Joe Moss shared a letter to Gibbs' Attorney Noah S. Hurwitz, concerning complaints made about John Gibbs. The letter references concerns and complaints made by multiple employees and commissioners. There were allegations Gibbs made sexual and defamatory comments, threats of physical harm, and ridiculed the faith of protestants. The letter alleged Gibbs was degrading to employees and created a hostile and abusive work environment by:
handing out meaningless tasks expected to be completed during evenings, weekends and holidays,
providing contradictory directions to employees,
ignoring direction from commissioners,
attempting to terminate employees without cause or documentation, and
failing to address complaints regarding physical threats of violence.
The letter alleges Gibbs provided minimal and conflicting information to commissioners and states, “Gibbs was increasingly upset with commissioners and potentially sabotaging work within the county.”
Gibbs claims he was engaging in free speech and likewise claims to have been a whistleblower against corporation council who he accused of being “deficient in its performance.” On February 15, 2024, Gibbs’ attorney sent a letter to board chair Joe Moss proposing Gibbs submit his resignation to the county in exchange of a $630,000 payment.
The friction between Gibbs and the county appears to have been increasing for several months. On October 25, 2023, Gibbs was questioned during the 46.11(n) hearing to provide Health Officer Adeline Hambley a public opportunity to respond to the charges against her. Gibbs spent approximately 8 hours answering questions posed by Hambley’s attorney in which he repeatedly stated he did not remember information.
Since being hired, County Administrator John Gibbs has had significant involvement in hiring three individuals to fill the following positions:
Assistant to the County Administrator
Deputy County Administrator
Director of the Office of Veteran’s Affairs
On October 24, 2023, a lawsuit was filed, alleging age discrimination based on actions of Gibbs against Ottawa County by Ryan Kimball, a candidate for the Administrative Assistant to the County Administrator position.
It appears tensions increased during the months of November and December as many of the complaints addressed in the letter from Attorney Hurwitz occurred during that time frame. On January 15, 2024, Gibbs’ previous personal attorney, Aaron Davis, sent an email to Board Chair Joe Moss explaining they believed the board planned to change the employment status of Gibbs, that they were investigating, and they accused the board of “adverse conduct against Mr. Gibbs.” Additionally, the letter said they would submit a settlement offer to the board.
According to the Hurwitz letter, the board first called for Gibbs’ resignation on January 9, 2024, and again on February 12, 2024. Meanwhile, according to the same letter, Gibbs’ responsibilities in relation to the county strategic plan were reduced on January 23, 2024, and then eliminated on February 6. On February 13, 2024, Gibbs did not attend the regularly scheduled board meeting, nor did he provide notification that he would be absent, as is required by his employment contract. Two days later, on February 15, 2024, the board received Gibbs’ proposed $630,000 resignation offer.
Gibbs has a background in computer science and cybersecurity, and was involved in developing the original version of the iPhone. He served as a missionary in Japan, and then was a Senior Advisor to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson before running for United States Congress against Hilary Scholten. His resume is impressive, but it is results that are important.
The underlying problem driving this separation has not yet been completely brought to light. It is only clear that a separation is eminent. Be sure to revisit Restore Ottawa, as we will provide more information as it becomes available.