In an email sent to coworkers on Oct. 19, Multnomah County chief human resources officer Travis Brown said he had resigned to “prioritize my and my family’s health and to dedicate time to other professional endeavors.”

Five weeks before, one of his colleagues filed a formal complaint against Brown, alleging “toxic leadership behaviors” and “disrespectful and harmful behavior,” according to a copy of the complaint obtained by WW through a public records request.

“Brown often speaks disparagingly of our peers to us,” the complaint says. “It is also my belief that there are other central HR managers and staff who’ve experienced harm or uncomfortable/unprofessional interactions with Brown but have not come forward for fear of retaliation in the current HR/budget environment.”

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