Cass County parts ways with administrator Patrick Jordan following probe
Jordan was placed on paid administrative leave on Friday, August 15, after the board received reports he had allegedly made homophobic and anti-Muslim comments. His termination comes just two months after he began his duties as Cass County administrator.
Cass County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to terminate County Administrator Patrick Jordan following an investigation into allegations of derogatory remarks in the workplace.
Jordan was placed on paid administrative leave on Friday, August 15, after the board received reports he had allegedly made homophobic and anti-Muslim comments.
“The investigation made clear that Mr. Jordan’s actions violated the standards we expect of our county leadership, and termination with cause was deemed appropriate,” said Board Chair Jeremiah Jones. “This decision underscores our commitment to accountability and to maintaining a workplace that is respectful and professional,” added Foster Swift, the county’s legal counsel who led the investigation and presented the findings to the board.
Jordan had served as County Administrator since June 11, following a “rigorous search and interview process” conducted by the Michigan Leadership Institute, an organization that specializes in placing county administrators and school superintendents, according to a Cass County press release.
He previously held government leadership roles in Michigan, Texas, and Alaska.
Finance Director Jennifer Rentfrow was appointed interim administrator during the investigation and will continue in that role as the county searches for a permanent replacement. The board will share updates on the search at casscountymi.org.
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