Whatcom County health director let go from position

Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department director Erika Lautenbach was let go from her position on March 19, with Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu citing "a need for better alignment with the county’s strategic priorities."

The Whatcom County Executive’s Office announced Lautenbach’s resignation in a March 19 statement provided to The Northern Light. Sidhu gave no specific reasons for Lautenbach’s dismissal but instead offered an anodyne description of a new leadership structure. 

“Last year Executive Sidhu established a new leadership structure in his office, providing increased departmental oversight and a stronger focus on stabilizing the County’s budget and operations,” the statement read. “As a result, Executive Sidhu ultimately determined that new leadership is needed for alignment on these priorities.”

The county put Lautenbach on administrative leave on March 5. Whatcom County Council was informed of Lautenbach’s leave on March 11.

Efforts to reach Lautenbach were unsuccessful. However, in a statement she sent to the Bellingham Herald, she said she was surprised to hear she was terminated.

“I believed our legal teams were negotiating a separation agreement in good faith, and we were still within the lawfully required period of time for my consideration. I have served the county with integrity and have, in all matters, put the health and safety of the public first. I did nothing illegal, unethical or otherwise. The reasons stated for my termination are inaccurate. I have been concerned for some time by the executive’s actions and believe this termination is directly related to these concerns,” she wrote in the statement provided to the Bellingham Herald.

Lautenbach was appointed as health director on March 18, 2020, at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time of her appointment, she had over 15 years of public health experience, which included previously serving as assistant director of the county health department.

“Ms. Lautenbach led WCHCS through the difficult years of the pandemic and oversaw a significant expansion of the department’s services, including the Response Systems Division, Healthy Children’s Fund, Fentanyl response plan and severe weather shelters,” Sidhu wrote in the statement. “We are very grateful for these accomplishments and wish her well on her future personal and professional endeavors.”

Whatcom County health officer Dr. Amy Harley will lead WCHCS until county council selects an interim director. Assistant director Charlene Ramont will help with the day-to-day administration of the department.

Sidhu intends to name an interim director shortly and will provide more details regarding the recruitment process for a permanent replacement.