Former Whatcom County official alleges harassment, hostile work environment
Erika Lautenbach, former head of the Whatcom County Department of Health and Community Services, is taking the first steps toward suing over her dismissal earlier this year after five years of service.
Lautenbach filed a tort claim (see below) Friday morning with the clerk of the Whatcom County Council, alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. An official with the clerk’s office told The Herald the claim was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney.
A tort claim is a civil action that must be taken in advance of a lawsuit against a government agency.
In her claim, Lautenbach alleges a pattern of discrimination from County Executive Satpal Sidhu. She cites instances of sexist comments directed at her personally and alleges that Sidhu treated her and other employees with what she said was “aggressive” and “bullying” behavior. She names several people, including members of the County Council, as witnesses.
Lautenbach also criticizes Sidhu’s handling of sexual harassment allegations against former Public Works Department Director Jon Hutchings, who resigned and received a favorable job recommendation despite evidence that could have led to his termination, according to previous reporting by The Herald and Cascade PBS.
“On Jan. 17, 2025, Ms. Lautenbach had a meeting with Mr. Sidhu at a coffee shop,” the tort claim states. “Once again, Mr. Sidhu was aggressive and hostile toward Ms. Lautenbach over his involvement in a single contract out of the more than approximately 300 contracts which WCHCS executes each year. This interaction was witnessed by a full coffee shop, including when midway through the conversation, Mr. Sidhu forced Ms. Lautenbach to sit next to him instead of across the table. He was so close to her face at points that she felt his spittle on her nose and cheeks. This interaction was deeply embarrassing and humiliating to Ms. Lautenbach, as she saw several people she knew there, who likely witnessed Mr. Sidhu’s behavior.”
Lautenbach is seeking damages totaling $1.5 million.
Sidhu’s office emailed a statement about Lautenbach’s claim to The Herald.
“In response to inquiries about Erika Lautenbach’s claims of wrongful termination, County Executive Sidhu believes it is important to address the matter with respect for the legal process. The Executive’s Office stands by its decision to pursue alternative leadership for Whatcom County Health and Community Services and strongly denies all allegations that Ms. Lautenbach was illegally dismissed as Director of Health and Community Services. The county will vigorously defend against Ms. Lautenbach’s claims related to her termination, and we look forward to the truth coming to light through the appropriate legal channels,” Sidhu’s statement said.
Sidhu named Lautenbach as health director in March 2020, as COVID-19 spread into a pandemic, and she was confirmed by the County Council. She guided Whatcom County through the pandemic and pivoted to address the fentanyl crisis, rising homelessness and direct funds for new child-care programs.
Lautenbach’s firing came in a March 19 announcement from the County Executive’s Office, a week after she was placed on leave for unspecified reasons. Sidhu cited “a need for better alignment with the county’s strategic priorities” in announcing Lautenbach’s departure.
As health director, Lautenbach was earning about $195,000 a year, according to an official in the Human Resources Department.
Lautenbach was hired recently as chief administrative officer at the state Department of Children, Youth and Families. She is working toward a doctorate in public health leadership at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, according to her online biography.
This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 12:09 PM.
