'Lack of effective leadership': Ottawa's deputy administrator resigns
OTTAWA COUNTY — The deputy administrator for Ottawa County has resigned, marking another significant departure in county government since the Ottawa Impact-led board of commissioners took over in January.
Patrick Waterman, who joined Ottawa County in November 2022, submitted his resignation letter Monday, July 24. In a letter to department heads, he cited a strained working relationship with new administrator John Gibbs.
The resignation is effective Friday, Aug. 4, according to the letter, which was provided to The Sentinel.
"I am sad to share that today I submitted my resignation letter to Administrator Gibbs, effective Aug. 4, 2023," Waterman wrote. "Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to establish an effective working relationship with Mr. Gibbs over the past seven months. I do not feel as though my experience and abilities are valued or utilized by the current administration, and have come to the decision that it is time to move on."
In his formal resignation letter to Gibbs, Waterman said his decision "stems from a deep concern regarding what I have viewed to be a lack of effective leadership and an eroding culture of employee trust and support within the county."
He said he believes open communication and effective leadership are "the backbone of any successful organization" and that, when employees are heard, supported and guided, they're more likely to remain motivated and committed. "Sadly, from what I have experienced, this is not currently the culture at Ottawa County."
Waterman further alleged Gibbs uninvited him from key department meetings, failed to adhere to established county hiring policies and practices, ignored concerns and objections regarding a new senior aide position, and, overall, failed to provide an opportunity for Waterman to contribute on initiatives "with which I am experienced."
Gibbs was installed on Jan. 3, after the new Ottawa Impact majority fired previous administrator John Shay. Gibbs was previously a software engineer and Christian missionary, then a political appointee and advisor under former President Donald Trump's U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
He ran as the Republican nominee for Michigan's Third Congressional District in 2022, losing by 13 points to Democrat Hillary Scholten.
In February, Commissioner Jacob Bonnema, formerly affiliated with Ottawa Impact, filed a human resources complaint against Gibbs following a dispute before a board meeting.
An independent investigation found no further action was warranted, but OI founders Joe Moss and Sylvia Rhodea pushed through a formal censure of Bonnema for filing the complaint.
Bonnema released a short statement Tuesday thanking Waterman for his service.
"Patrick's talents will be sorely missed. I wish him and his family only the best. Hopefully, his departure will force some meaningful reflection and conversation that we can all learn from. Retaining competency and expertise in Ottawa County should be given the highest priority."
Ottawa Impact, which currently holds a six-member majority on the board, is a far-right fundamentalist group that formed in 2021 after clashes with the county and state over COVID-19 mitigation measures.
More: Wyoming hires former Ottawa County administrator John Shay as city manager
In his letter to department heads, Waterman said he's accepted a position as deputy city manager for the city of Wyoming, where Shay was hired as city manager in April.
It's unclear how Gibbs' administration plans to move forward. In March, the OI majority approved hiring a senior executive aide for him, after he likened the administrator job to "drinking from a firehose." As of Monday, July 25, that position has not been filled.
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"Over the next two weeks, I will be doing everything I can to ensure a seamless transition. I am not yet sure how Administrator Gibbs plans to reassign my current responsibilities. However, I will be sure to communicate and coordinate with those of you that I have ongoing projects (with)," Waterman wrote in his letter. "If you need anything from me in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out."
Shortly after The Sentinel published this article, there were reports Gibbs relieved Waterman of his duties Tuesday, although that hasn't been confirmed.
Waterman did not respond to a request for comment Monday.
Waterman also resigned from the Ottawa County Housing Authority, an entity that saw controversial changes this year after Moss removed Commissioner Doug Zylstra, the board's lone Democrat.
Zylstra said he was sad to see Waterman depart.
"Patrick has been an exemplar of professionalism and dedication to the staff and residents of Ottawa County," Zylstra told The Sentinel on Tuesday. "I am saddened to see him leave and likewise to read his reasons for leaving. Hopefully this letter serves as a call for us to examine our work as county leaders and how we can better work together for all of our residents."
— Sarah Leach is executive editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her atsarah.leach@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter@SentinelLeach.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: 'Lack of effective leadership': Ottawa's deputy administrator resigns
