Tacoma health dept. spent $7K on lawyers after director accused of bullying
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department spent $140K on legal fees after complaint.
- Three employee unions alleged director Chantell Reed fostered hostile workplace.
- Board approved $49K contract for executive coaching to support Reed's leadership.
CORRECTION: Over a four-month span earlier this year, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department spent $7,750 on legal fees associated with complaints filed against director Chantell Harmon Reed. A previous version of this story reported an incorrect amount.
Public records show that the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department spent $7,750 on attorney’s fees over four months associated with a complaint submitted to the TPCHD Board of Health that alleged its public health director created a hostile work environment.
As previously reported by The News Tribune, three unions representing employees with the health department filed a complaint with the Board of Health in March, alleging director Chantell Harmon Reed created “an extremely hostile work environment” that caused the department to lose “good people at a time when a competent public health presence is needed.” The unions called for an investigation into Reed’s behavior.
Records The News Tribune received Friday indicate TPCHD paid attorneys at McGavick Graves, P.S. a total of $140,463 from March 31 through July 31 for hours worked, miscellaneous business and public records requests (the details of which were largely redacted). Of that total, $7,750 was spent on work related to the complaints against Harmon Reed, the records show.
TPCHD denied The News Tribune’s public records request for the final investigation report, citing attorney-client privilege “because it was prepared at the request of the Health Department’s attorney in reasonable anticipation of litigation.” The News Tribune is still waiting to receive supporting documents provided to the investigator.
As previously reported by The News Tribune, on July 2 the Board of Health approved a contract with Nash Consulting Inc. to spend up to $49,620 for “executive coaching services” for Reed and the rest of the department’s leadership staff from July 3 to Dec. 31. Board members said they were supportive of Reed’s leadership and take staff concerns seriously.
“I remain steadfast in my commitment to this community and all the work we do to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in Pierce County,” Reed said in a department news release on July 2. “I am proud of all the changes we’ve made over the past year to position this department for long-term growth and sustainability. I look forward to where we are headed.”
This story was originally published September 24, 2025 at 5:15 AM.
