FARGO (KFGO) – Four employees of the City of Fargo’s Communications and Governmental Affairs Department have resigned, including Chief Communications Officer Gregg Schildberger.
The sudden resignations were confirmed to KFGO News by Mayor Tim Mahoney.
In a six-page resignation letter to City Administrator Mike Redlinger obtained through an open records request, Schildberger wrote about the accomplishments of the office and said he’s departing the organization knowing he gave Fargo everything he had. He said his resignation is driven due to conflict between the city’s HR department and the communications department.
“When an environment of disrespect is allowed to permeate without action, such as CommsGA Team members being attacked in open meetings by elected officials and department heads, it is absolutely crushing,” Schildberger wrote.
Deputy Chief Communications Officer Katie Ettish also resigned. Like Schildberger, Ettish wrote she is resigning because of tension between the communication department, the HR department, and the city administrator.
“The ongoing high levels of stress, daily anxiety and a toxic work culture fostered by City Administration and Human Resources have made it impossible for me to continue in good conscience,” Eittish wrote in her resignation letter.
Creative Services Manager Ryan Green and Project Manager Emily Groth also resigned. All resignations are effective Sunday night.
Among other responsibilities, the office handles public communications for the city and media relations.
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