An outside investigation has concluded that evidence supports claims that the director of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) retaliated against two staff members after they raised concerns about leadership decisions, adding to ongoing scrutiny of the agency’s internal governance and financial management.
Investigation
A review conducted by the law firm Haggard & Ganson found that a “preponderance of the evidence” supports the conclusion that retaliation occurred against two former employees, Edmund Witter and Xochitl Maykovich, following a staff meeting in which leadership decisions were openly challenged.
The findings relate to concerns raised during a meeting last year, where staff questioned executive hiring decisions and broader staffing cuts being proposed by agency leadership.
Complaints
According to reporting and allegations referenced in the investigation, staff raised concerns about the hiring of two white male executives at salaries of about $200,000 each, at a time when the agency was also planning layoffs affecting lower-paid staff, including employees of color.
Former deputy executive Simon Foster alleged that hiring decisions were influenced by political considerations and said he experienced retaliation in the form of reduced responsibilities. The investigation, however, did not substantiate retaliation claims made by Foster or former chief financial officer James Rouse.
Rouse had also alleged he was prevented from presenting budget-related work after expressing disagreement with leadership proposals.
Findings
The investigation focused more closely on allegations involving Maykovich and Witter.
Maykovich, who served as interim chief program officer, alleged that leadership actions undermined her candidacy for a permanent role, including internal communications questioning her performance shortly after the contentious staff meeting.
Witter, the former general counsel, alleged that he was removed from employment-related legal responsibilities following his concerns about leadership decisions.
Both later left the agency. Their departures coincided with broader staffing changes that eliminated multiple positions, including senior roles.
Legal Action
Maykovich has since filed a lawsuit against the agency under Washington’s Public Records Act. The suit alleges that KCRHA failed to properly release documents related to internal complaints and the investigation into leadership conduct.
According to court filings, the agency provided a limited set of heavily redacted records and closed the request, which the lawsuit describes as incomplete.
The records request reportedly sought all complaints against Executive Director Kelly Kinnison, as well as internal communications and investigative materials.
Agency Context
The developments come amid broader challenges facing the KCRHA, including questions about financial management and internal accountability.
A recent forensic audit identified issues such as accounting inconsistencies, reporting gaps, and financial irregularities. The findings have prompted renewed discussion among funders and city officials about the agency’s future structure and oversight.
At a recent City Council human services committee meeting, agency leadership characterized many of the audit findings as stemming from historical issues tied to the agency’s early formation.
Financial Plans
KCRHA leadership has indicated plans to pursue a temporary chief financial officer role through an external staffing firm.
Officials estimated the cost of such an arrangement at roughly $500,000, which would include staffing fees in addition to salary. The proposal follows the elimination of the agency’s previous CFO position last year.
Outlook
The agency now faces overlapping legal, financial, and governance challenges as it continues to respond to audit findings, lawsuits, and public scrutiny.
No formal disciplinary action has been announced in connection with the investigation’s findings, and the agency has not issued detailed public comment on the retaliation conclusions.
The situation remains under review as city leaders and funders evaluate next steps for oversight and structural reform.
FAQs
What did the investigation find?
It found evidence supporting retaliation claims against two staff members.
Who was involved in the allegations?
Former staff members Edmund Witter and Xochitl Maykovich made complaints.
Was all retaliation alleged proven?
No, some claims by other staff were not substantiated.
What is the agency also facing?
A forensic audit found financial and accounting issues.
Is the agency responding publicly?
The agency has declined detailed comment on the findings.
