Директор по кадрам ушла в отставку из-за скандалов с расследованиями и инцидента с флагом гордости

A top Pacific County official departing Published 5:28 pm Sunday, July 5, 2026 SOUTH BEND — If you ask top county officials how things are going, they will likely respond, “not so good,” because June was reportedly a brutal month. Officials have been tussling with a significant amount of internal drama that has caused major ripples across the local government. One recent major development includes the resignation letter formally submitted by Marie Guernsey, who has spent the past four years as the county’s human resources director and risk manager. The Observer submitted a public records request on June 29 for a copy of Guernsey’s resignation letter and was provided the document on July 1. “After much thought and consideration, I have decided to tender my resignation as the County’s HR/Risk Manager,” Guernsey wrote in the letter. “In accordance with Section VI, of my Special Employment Agreement, my final working day will be Aug. 24, 2026. Further, I am requesting to work from home three days a week, Wednesday through Friday, for the remainder of my time.” Guernsey did not respond to an emailed request for comment sent by the Observer on June 30, and the exact reasons for her departure have not been disclosed. Internal investigations Over the past year, Guernsey came under fire for her handling of internal investigations — particularly inquiries involving Pacific County Prosecutor Michael Rothman and another involving Pacific County Jail Director Jim Byrd. Two alleged victims, Brandi Huber and Rikki Thompson, filed tort claims against the county on July 1, 2025, alleging harassment and hostility by Rothman. The claims escalated to a full lawsuit on Nov. 5, 2025, which was filed in Lewis County Superior Court. Guernsey was reportedly notified of the incidents on Nov. 4, 2024, and met with the two alleged victims two weeks later on Nov. 20, 2024. Thompson remains adamant that she handed Guernsey a formal written complaint, which Guernsey has denied receiving or having knowledge of. The situation also caught the attention of the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office, which initiated a formal criminal investigation led by deputies Cory Nacnac and Kevin Acdal. The duo interviewed Guernsey multiple times but acquired little detail. Questions also remain surrounding Byrd’s investigation, after several corrections officers came forward with allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and sexism, which included making inappropriate comments. “It is more likely than not that Director Byrd made inappropriate comments to female COs when he said, ‘someone’s having a hot flash’ and ‘adjust their tampon string,’” Guernsey noted in her report, finding that the claim regarding the comments was substantiated. “This violates the inappropriate conduct policy which states that, while not rising to the level of unlawful discrimination or harassment, communicates a hostile, derogatory or negative message about persons based on protected status specifically regarding respectful communication,” she added. Rough month for the county Guernsey’s resignation comes only weeks after rumors swirled that Paul Plakinger, the county’s chief administrative officer, was having a relationship with a subordinate. When asked about the situation, Plakinger dispelled the rumors. “I am not in a romantic relationship with a subordinate employee, nor have I been previously,” Plakinger said. “I have a close friendship with an individual who I previously worked with, but we were not in a relationship while working together. We have discussed the idea of a relationship in the future, but only if one or both of us found other employment. Thanks again for reaching out to me.” Sources told the Observer, under the condition of anonymity, that “internal spats” over the allegations and “outlandish rumors” have plagued the general administration for the past month. The same individuals noted they “did not believe” there was any merit to the allegations, emphasizing that “no lines were crossed.” Pacific County does not currently have a policy regarding interagency relationships. Another individual, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, called the overall situation “unnecessary drama.” Pride controversy Internal spats were only part of the recent issues. They coincided with an order reportedly handed down from Guernsey to have a Pride flag taken down multiple times at a county-owned building located at 307 Robert Bush Drive in South Bend. The building currently houses Thorbeckes, a gym, and a detachment of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). “On June 2, 2026, I was contacted by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), who informed me that the Pride flag at the facility located at 307 Robert Bush Drive East in South Bend had been removed earlier that morning by Pacific County staff,” Plakinger said. “I contacted the Pacific County Department of Public Works and was told that the flag, which was flying at the directive of the governor, was removed by county staff at the instruction of someone in my office,” he continued. “I was not consulted prior to the removal of the Pride flag, nor, to the best of my knowledge, were any of the Pacific County Commissioners. I, along with Commissioner Doyle, apologized to DCYF for the improper removal of the flag, which was flying again by that afternoon.” According to records obtained via a July 1 public records request, DCYF Aberdeen Office Manager Cristel Andring contacted county officials via email regarding the situation. “We heard there is a concern over the Pride flag and noticed that it has been taken down a couple of times,” Andring wrote. “Our policy requires that we fly the Pride flag during specific times of the month in June. We understand that property owners may also mandate removal of the flag. We are checking in to see if that is the case.” Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson issues an annual directive to state agencies to fly the Pride flag throughout June to mark Pride Month, as previous governors have done. Guernsey’s resignation — along with other “relevant matters” — is anticipated to be a hot topic during the Pacific County Commission meeting scheduled for July 14. The county declined to comment on its next steps for human resources and risk management leadership, but stated that details will be available in the near future.