Amidst HHSA Financial Concerns, Assistant Director Christy Coleman Takes Charge as Director Laura Burch Steps Away for Medical Leave
Burch’s medical leave was announced a day after Supervisor-elect Matt Plummer issued a statement calling for a firing freeze and an internal review of HHSA finances.
9.17.24 12:20 pm: We have updated the story to correct Plummer’s statement which called for a “firing freeze“.
On Friday, September 13, Shasta County issued a press release indicating that Health and Human Services Agency Director Laura Burch, who has run the agency for the last several years, will take a medical leave. HHSA’s press release said Burch’s leave is due to a “planned medical event,” and that she will return to her work once medically approved to do so.
In Burch’s absence, Assistant HHSA Director Christy Coleman has assumed the role of Acting Director. Speaking to the Mental Health, Drug, and Alcohol Advisory Board (MHADAB) last night, September 16, Coleman said she will also assume the role of Acting Mental Health Director while HHSA works to rehire for the position, which was vacated by the resignation of Miguel Rodriguez several months ago.
Coleman told MHADAB she has a degree in business management and a masters in business administration and has worked for the County for thirteen years in different departments including Housing and Child Support Services as well as the Health and Human Services Agency. She joined HHSA shortly after Burch became Director, filling a newly-created Assistant Director position.
Burch’s medical leave comes less than two weeks after unconfirmed allegations of financial inconsistencies at the Agency from former HHSA Chief Fiscal Officer Rahsaan Dean, who told Shasta Scout he was terminated after suggesting he should inform County CEO David Rickert about his concerns.
Former CFO Dean also expressed concern about the working environment within HHSA, describing employee anxiety regarding job security that has made staff cautious about what they say and to whom they speak. That’s created a challenging environment, he alleged, where “collaboration across teams can be hindered by a lack of trust and communication.”
One day before Burch’s medical leave was announced, Supervisor-elect Matt Plummer, who will replace current Supervisor Patrick Jones in January, issued a strong statement about HHSA finances, saying the former CFO’s allegations were “concerning but not particularly surprising.”
Plummer pointed out that the CFO’s allegations are only the latest in a series of financial concerns at the agency, including the decision to relinquish administrative leadership of the NorCal Continuum of Care, a warning letter from a state agency alleging mismanagement of $4 million in state funds, and $6 million dollars in overspending that was not reported for more than a year.
He suggested the County should respond by asking for quarterly financial updates from the HHSA Director, and implementing an immediate internal review of HHSA finances. If that internal analysis shows no concerns, Plummer wrote, he’d push for an external financial review as well.
Regarding workplace conditions, Plummer suggested instituting a temporary firing freeze, saying the County must create a “a culture of radical honesty” that encourages County employees to seek help by eliminating finger-pointing and accusation.
“We can’t solve problems we don’t know exist,” Plummer said. “And we can’t help people and teams we don’t know need help.”
CEO Rickert was among County leaders who mentioned HHSA during last week’s Board meeting, saying both his office and the Auditor’s Officer were working with Director Burch and her staff “to align with state and federal regulations as well as County policy.”
Appearing to reference Dean’s statements about the HHSA work environment, CEO Rickert expressed appreciation for “constructive feedback,” with the caveat that “innuendos, half-truths, hateful dialogue, and targeting specific people are not productive for our staff or management.”
“We place a high priority on a healthy and positive work environment,” CEO Rickert continued. “Employees are encouraged to communicate issues with management when possible,” he said, claiming that there are “a variety of support channels available to employees to include the whistleblower hotline and Support Services complaint process.”
Supervisors Tim Garman, Mary Rickert and Kevin Crye also commented on Dean’s allegations during their Board reports, with Supervisor Rickert emphasizing that the situation needs to be “taken care of as rapidly as it possibly can.” Garman told the public he’d met with Burch and Coleman along with CEO Rickert, emphasizing that he has “full confidence in Laura and the team that stands behind her . . . And if an investigation happens, an investigation happens, and it’s going to be okay.”
Board Chair Kevin Crye also vaguely referenced the allegations, saying California “backs employees not entities,” that people can “say whatever they want,” and that “the media knows the County can’t respond to defend itself.”
“At the same time,” he continued, “I absolutely want to make sure any allegations of impropriety are looked into … we’ll get to the bottom of it, we’ll get to the truth, we’ll make the adjustments and we’ll move on because it’s not personal … it’s county money.”
Director Burch also spoke during the Board’s public comment period, emphasizing that during her last two-and-a-half years with HHSA her focus has been on “fiscal responsibility and maintaining the integrity of work without political affiliation or bias.”
“I am dedicated solely to the individuals who rely on our services,” Burch continued, “to our employees and to the public who expect accountability.”
She did not mention her impending medical leave.
While the public was notified of Burch’s leave on Friday, the news wasn’t shared with HHSA staff until Monday, September 16.
“Acting Director Christy Coleman sent an email this morning to all Health and Human Services Agency employees,” a spokesperson wrote in response to a question from Shasta Scout about whether staff had been informed, “informing them of Director Laura Burch’s medical leave and wishing her well in her recovery.”
Do you have a correction to share? Email us: editor@shastascout.org.
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Laura & Christy were brought in to access HHSA and determine what needs were missing, what needed fixed and look at the fiscal pieces. They are very supportive of staff. The staff that are not happy could be the ones that need to change how they are doing things. It’s very easy to sit and throw stones. Environment is what you make it. Change is hard and it will always be there. Laura & Christy, Erinn & Trisha were never given a chance by staff. They are all very approachable, smart, deserving of their position and want the best for the Agency. Quit complaining, start being a team player.
I agree with you. I have been with the county for over six years and Laura & Christy, Erinn & Trisha are trying their best. The staff there are not giving me them a chance to see that they are trying to help and that change may be hard but it’s necessary to survive in todays world.
“Trying their best” does not equate to “good at their job”. An incompetent person can try their best but still need to be fired. An approachable person can still be bad at their job. Many decisions have been made that have created a hostile working environment and made it so these leaders appear untrustworthy. Their over-reliance on “corporate speak” is the antithesis of transparency and trustworthiness. Not to mention that the Admin branch has unnecessarily ballooned in size. Looking at the Org chart, most people could easily identify a good handful of upper management positions that could be eliminated.
For those who are tired of government leaders circling the wagons to cover up, forwrd their own agenda, harass and push out staff who try to speak up about concerns (which the public has a right to know): watch a (very long) YouTube video from Wisconsin “Chief of Police Fires Employee Over Hurt Feelings”. Sometimes justice does get served.
Laura Burch going on medical leave may be an attempt to delay getting fired. This is a common tactic for those that work the system.
The very public silence and inaction from the BOS is deafening. Considering all the rhetoric and outrage they express for individual rights, fair play, voting, individual character opinions for decisions they make- they base their campaigns on more effective leaders and fixing the economic issues of the County. Yet are complicit in allowing this train wreck continue. This speaks volumes. Actions say more than words.
Sounds like a ‘Planned Sick Out’ might be one of the strategies to use, especially on the busiest day of the week. Gotta get their attention somehow ! Maybe a picket line, and help from other unions, SEIU, Teamsters, etc. Time to help these woeful workers. Hang in their for another 90+ days and a new county is in sight.
Unfortunately, California is not labor friendly. It’s not legal for government employees to participate in labor actions except for in very specific circumstances.
Would they fire them for a sick out? That would be interesting to see. The remaining staff would be the administrators. Let them have at it. Maybe Crye could run all the fiscal positions work while Jones handles mental health appointments.
Shasta County has lost Gail Gustafson, APS Supervisor, one of the best friends the homeless ever had
Redding Good News Rescue Mission Kicks Blind Homeless Girl Out Into Streets
I have never seen in 20 years of being a homeless advocate a blind homeless person before,
walking alone with the severely mentally ill, pervert and rapist filled streets of Redding California.
Alone… https://reddinghomeless.blogspot.com/2024/09/redding-good-news-rescue-mission-kicks.html
You know they have their goons reading every single one of these comments, then they speculate about who wrote which one. It’s sad.
It’s not just the usual group of “mean girls”
There are current employees actively spying and getting information to report back to the overlords.
The fantastic four have deep roots in Child Support, Hhsa, Bos, Housing and all over the county. They have connections and people who are always listening and waiting to report back.
Just remember that around the water cooler. Your friendly and kind
Unassuming coworker could potentially go way back with the powers that be.
Careful what you say and who you say it to. There’s is probably less than 6 degrees of separation between your work buddy and those in charge.
Poppy that is indeed correct, they very well do have eyes out and that is fine. I personally hope they do and I hope the comments get reported back so they have to sit and stir on who is telling it how it is and I hope it keeps them up at night.
All the employees at HHSA should be talking about working conditions they are well within their legal rights to do so and are protected by the union and CA state law. I hope that other employees read these comments and educate them self’s to stand up for what they deserve which is good working conditions free of retaliation and worry this could be their last day. It is true the “means girls” can speculate on who is commenting but without knowing for sure there is nothing that can be done.
Talk to one another, gather evidence to bring to light everything happening. AP shared a phone number to call: “And if anyone does want to share evidence related to such rumors, feel free to reach out. Using the Signals app is confidential: 530-276-8778”
Keep a paper calendar and mark times and events that happen, take photos or copies somehow as proof of things that are illegal (employee related or business). The more staff work to provide proof the sooner things can be better. Make Burch, Coleman, Watts, Boss worry about their jobs for a change. Staff actually care about our community and one another, not their bottom line or politics.
I was told from a friend at the County. Ms. Burch’s days are numbered. County staff are looking into extensive mismanagement in HHSA and even the MAGA Board Supervisors will not be willing to save her.
Don’t trust a thing Crye or Burch say. They’ve both retaliated against county employees and they’ve been fired or made to feel so miserable on a daily basis that employees mental health has decline and they quit due to a toxic workplace. County employees are crying at their desks. Just trying their best to hold down a job in this economy to feed their families. Within HHSA there’s a group of ladies called the “mean girls” and rightfully have gained the name for a reason (Burch, Coleman, Watts, Boss). These 4 are protected by Jones and Crye. You’ve heard them say they’re proud of the work environment for county employees and thinks it’s a great place. They approve of the toxic environment created by the “mean girls”. Remove these 4 and let’s get back to letting the county run the way it should.
Sounds like CEO Rickert does not believe what the whistleblowers say is true!!
Also the fact that the environment is toxic and not employee friendly…
An internal audit!! Are you kidding that should never happen. It should be an audit company specializing in government accounting….
1000% this all needs to be an external audit with government accounting expertise! Clearly no one in the CAO’s office nor Support Services wants to protect any county employee. There have been whistleblower complaints that have just fallen on deaf ears. Just protecting the BOS and county department leadership.
CEO Rickert doesn’t seem to know a whole lot. He was a poor choice but so was all of the HHSA Leadership. Laura and her friends have zero idea of what they are doing and I really hope all of their dirty laundry gets aired soon. As a current employee, Laura, Christy, Erinn, and Trisha have made this a horrible, toxic place to work. We used to do great work and great things for our community. They have stripped all of that, including tax payer dollar, to play some childish game of monopoly. Where they get to dress nice and drive nice cars and then tap around on a keyboard pretending like they know what they are doing.
Coleman and Boss contributed to a toxic work environment in Housing also – before their ‘created’ position within HHSA. They drive good employees away.
That department is still toxic. They are unhappy and it shows. Lots of back stabbing from what I have recently been told. The powers that be have that department in a choke hold. Sad to see the couple bad apples have stayed on. I am very happy that I have moved on from that environment. Out of county employment is the way to go.
I tried to warn them. They didn’t listen.
In internal audit will only lead to more people being placed under fire who actually do their jobs properly. One thing I learned while being in HHSA is that whistleblowing will get you fired. They will tell you it’s not for discipline but “it’s not a good fit”. The environment is the most toxic place, cady women, bullying, and harassment. There is no team structure and the way they treat the clients is down right cruel at times. On behalf of Laura, she was hired simply out of knowing people and not for being capable of doing her job.
It’s a somewhat open secret at the county that xxxx has been having an affair with xxxx, which adds a whole different view of things. These people are a mess. The fox is guarding the hen house. No wonder people are leaving in droves, whether by choice or by firing if they dare speak against the powers that be.
Kathy: I edited your post to remove specific names. I have heard this rumor but without some credible evidence shared on or of the record I feel its destabilizing to the County as a whole to have that rumor repeated here. Thanks for understanding. And if anyone does want to share evidence related to such rumors, feel free to reach out. Using the Signals app is confidential: 530-276-8778
“I am dedicated solely to the individuals who rely on our services,” Burch continued, “to our employees and to the public who expect accountability.”
This line cracked me up, I would guess any HHSA employee past or present could not roll their eyes back far enough.
I would LOVE to be able to see a survey done on employee satisfaction within HHSA to get each persons honest opinion on working conditions and accounts of the happening behind the curtain. If I remember correctly Burch did send out an internal survey in 2023 that she quickly brushed under the rug as it came back so badly, but its fine because she is dedicated to our employees. Has anyone done a public records request to see the response’s to that survey? Maybe UPEC could send a survey to staff and get some honest feedback without retaliation.
And dedicated to individuals who rely on our services? Is this why the downtown office was shut down? Why housing has taken such a hit and the department has been cut down to just a few employees? Or how about our Public Health lab, how many workers do we have working the lab now? Last I hear it was 0 and HHSA no longer is taking in samples from surrounding counties for testing like rabies.
BUT maybe this is all just hearsay and maybe it is just a few picking on poor Burch and she really is doing her best….but I doubt it..
Gotta save all that money for hiring more upper management positions in the Admin branch…
You are spot on, every word. That survey wasn’t just brushed under the rug, it was buried under the building. We are retaliated against, so it was a big risk because we all know the surveys are not anonymous.
There was a survey sent to recent retirees in 2022 by Laura Burch’s assistant. The results were never provided to those of us who participated. HHSA also did a staff survey in the fall of 2019. The Adult Services results made it clear staff members felt the work environment, treatment by supervisors and mangers and support was more than lacking.
The lab has ZERO employees working in the lab and we have the ability to serve zero counties including ourselves. Christie Coleman needs to go back to selling houses instead of pretending to have two brain cells to put together.
You go Funky Bunch! Nailed it!
The survey results were not so great. I have it saved. The changes implemented from the survey were also disappointing. We were given a strong directive to not watch BOS meetings anymore.
Worried: If you’d like to share any of that with me feel free to contact me on Signal (530-276-8778) or editor@shastascout.org
Great job, AP. There’s an old saying that says “the fish rots from the head down.”
(“Piscis primum a capite foetet.” Adages of Erasmus)
If you want to learn the source of the problems look to the BOS. Those of us who have been around a few years remember employee’s qualification requirements and certification requirements being “waived” by the inept governance of the Jones Gang because the candidate was malleable, submissive, and would not think for themselves or put the needs of the community before their comfort and convenience. Rather, they’d be enthralled to the Board.
The Jones gang, starting under Baugh, have persecuted and hounded the qualified professionals like Dr Karen Ramstrom, Matt Pontes, Rubin Cruse, Mary Williams, and others, driving them off and opting for cronyism and dumbed down submissive stooges that could keep a seat warm and work the will of the Gang. Who suffers? We the taxpayers (and staff/employees) who must endure their ineptitude, dishonesty, disorganisation, and maltreatment. Under the Anselmo funded stable, it has been more like a 3/2 dictatorship rather than a united democracy.
Listen to Plummer. He knows what he’s talking about. I cannot wait until after Christmas when Jones is gone. Can’t come soon enough.
I think Mr. Plummer said “firing” freeze.
You’re right. My mistake. I’ve corrected. Thank you so much!
Oh my. You employees should be
Ashamed spouting these conspiracies.
I know Christy and Laura. Both are selfless lovely individuals.
Trish is a Rockstar. She clawed her way out of the horrible housing team and look at her soar!
Erin was a pillar of hope and support
In Child Support. May she thrive forever more.
My Smart and selfless Christy, I will never forget everything you have done for all the departments you work in. You are smart and kind. You are a real class act. The jealousy of these other woman is disturbing.
Lovely Laura, please get well so you can keep fighting the good fight. You are such a fun and quirky lady. Please more fun costumes! Such a hoot!
Thank you to HHSA leadership for staying true blue. Please more cool things like the employee Olympics and costco hot doggie. Yummy! I love working for HHSA I feel closer to God here.
The rest of you, quit your whining and back to work!
What the heck????==Conspiracies?? More like TRUTH. Did you actually work UNDER these women. Did you have to work triple your workload because others have jumped ship and have not been replaced? More work thrown on your desk with a ‘do this job too’ and NO OVERTIME ALLOWED? Did you have to work with people that know NOTHING about your job and how it was done?
Scott and Experienced Employee are right on with their statements.
Don’t tell the employees to “Spread Kindness” when none is given to them from upper management OR to “Get Back to Work” when they are overwhelmed and doing the very best they can (or getting out as fast as they can).
Also – SHAME ON YOU Spread Kindness!!!
Trisha “clawed her way out of the horrible housing team”? Is that how you “spread kindness” to your HHSA colleagues who work tirelessly and for very little money to help people get off the street and housed. That is what selflessness looks like. It’s not what Laura and Christy (and Trisha) did which was to use housing as a stepping stone to higher and higher paying jobs while they destroyed the department in the process. It is a shell of what it once was in terms of staff and programs. They treated the staff terribly. Except for Trisha of course. And where are the records for the continuum funds? And the community action funds? How were they used? Why does every person who digs into the housing finances get pushed out or run away?
Spread Kindness – I think your post is satire.
But if it’s not supposed to be satire…then wow.
You’re funny. You have some great jokes. Most every employee knows how horrible Christy and Laura are. You either are just as horrible as them or make funny jokes. If you work at HHSA, and support them both, then I hope whatever karma is coming for them comes for you too. You don’t spread kindness, supporting them spreads toxicity and you are just as bad.
I think Plummer would be justified in pushing for a full audit of the HHSA. And I say this as a current employee. I think such an investigation would find Burch, Coleman, Watts, and Boss are all woefully incompetent to lead the agency and hopefully an entirely new leadership team could be found.
Yes, it would. The level of incompetence among HHSA upper management is staggering. Laura, Christy, Erinn, and Trisha lack the most basic understanding of how the HHSA funding works or how to manage it wisely. They cut programs and staff not understanding that will result in the agency taking in less and owing more to the state and feds, and in some cases having grants go into reversion. HHSA never needed an assistant director or a CFO before because we had experienced, competent leadership over the admin branch, rather than the friends of Laura. Her continued hiring and promotion of unqualified friends to critical management positions in HHSA is a prime example of Laura not giving a damn about the agency or its employees or the vulnerable people we serve. We need competent leadership before there is no one left to lead.
Absolutely agree! Nonsense positions. Massive exodus of employees is a key sign things are BAD!