Oregon DEQ Chief Forced To Step Down Over Inappropriate Workplace Romance

The former head of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality had to step down when agency leaders found out he was dating one of his direct reports.

The former head of DEQ, Richard Whitman, said last summer that he would leave the job at the end of 2022. But in September, Whitman quit without warning three months before he was supposed to. He said he was leaving the agency in a strong position and that it was for “personal reasons.”

Oregon DEQ Chief Forced to Step Down Over Inappropriate Workplace Romance

The Oregonian/OregonLive was the first to report that Whitman quit because of his relationship with an employee he directly supervised.

When department leaders discovered the relationship, they talked to lawyers from the Oregon Department of Justice because they thought Whitman might have broken state ethics laws. The DEQ then made Whitman quit.

Harry Esteve, a spokesperson for DEQ, said that when agency leaders found out about Whitman’s relationship, then-Deputy Director Leah Feldon told the chair of the Environmental Quality Commission, Kathleen George, who is in charge of hiring and firing the director.

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β€œAfter discussions between Mr. Whitman and EQC Chair George, Mr. Whitman submitted his resignation,” Esteve said in an emailed statement to OPB. β€œThis happened over about two weeks as Chair George and Deputy Feldon worked with the governor’s office and Oregon Department of Justice to ensure DEQ was taking appropriate action.”

Since then, Feldon has become the new director of DEQ.

Esteve said that Whitman was told by DEQ leaders that he may have broken state ethics rules that require people to report themselves. But The Oregonian/Oregon Live says that DEQ has no rules that say supervisors and direct reports can’t have relationships that both parties agree to.

DEQ did not say when the relationship was, how long it lasted, or with whom it was.

Whitman has been asked for her thoughts by OPB.

Below a Twitter post is given related to this news-

Esteve said that all DEQ workers must train regularly to learn how to keep a professional workplace and what makes a hostile work environment.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news from Oregon State: Visit our website FocusHillsBoro.com for more headlines

Jessa
Jessa Martin

Jessa Martin is an accomplished news writer with a passion for keeping the community informed about the latest events and happenings in Hillsboro and the surrounding areas. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Jessa has become a go-to source for breaking news and in-depth reporting.As a news writer for Focushillsboro.com, Jessa covers a wide range of topics, from local politics and government to community events and human interest stories. Their writing is always informative, insightful, and engaging, offering readers a deeper understanding of the issues that matter most to the people of Hillsboro.

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