An internal investigation into Tacoma-Pierce County’s top public health official describes a workplace where staff felt so rattled by her communication style that some ended up in tears. Yet despite the bruised feelings and shaken morale, the outside investigator concluded there were no violations of law or department policy, and the Board of Health is sticking with its director.
Investigation Flags Harsh Leadership, Clears Director On Policy
An outside review completed June 18, 2025 found a pattern of communication that employees said was demeaning and intimidating, leaving some staffers distraught. Even so, the investigator determined there were no breaches of law or agency rules, according to The News Tribune.
Staff Say Boundaries Were Crossed, Director Says Rules Were Not
The investigator, identified in the report as Brenda Bannon, raised concerns about ethical boundaries, including allegations that the director asked subordinates to complete portions of a graduate school assignment. The report also noted records showing the director instructed human resources to route complaints directly through her instead of the usual channels.
One senior staff member, Naomi Wilson, told trustees she resigned for her own well-being, and department records list the director’s annual salary at roughly $225,555. “The findings … clearly indicate that I did not violate any law,” the director wrote in a statement, as reported by The News Tribune.
Board Orders Coaching, Not A Shake-Up
The Board of Health commissioned the outside investigation after complaints surfaced earlier in 2025, then opted for executive coaching instead of a leadership change. On July 2, the board voted to contract with Nash Consulting for leadership coaching for the director and senior staff through the end of the year, with a contract cap of roughly $49,620, according to Yahoo News, which republished the reporting.
Tight Budget, Fewer Jobs And A Culture Reset
The department’s newly adopted 2026-2027 beginning budget comes in at $102,899,820, with about 283.65 full-time equivalent positions. That financial picture has already meant layoffs and reorganization. Those figures were recommended by the Board of Health on Feb. 4, 2026, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Balancing Public Health Services With Staff Morale
Leaders say the department now has to juggle personnel reforms with keeping crucial public health services running as funding tightens. Staff and trustees have been raising that concern for months. Local coverage has noted the department prepared for layoffs while adjusting to the leaner biennial budget, which is why leaders say they want to fix internal culture without knocking core programs off course, according to KNKX.
For now, the board is publicly backing the director while paying for coaching and other steps meant to repair relationships inside the agency. Trustees are expected to revisit the issue at upcoming Board of Health meetings as staff and community members continue to weigh in.
