LOC News
LOC Board Accepts Executive Director’s Resignation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2021 (Updated December 21, 2021)
CONTACT: Kevin Toon, Communications Director - ktoon@orcities.org
SALEM, Ore. – The League of Oregon Cities (LOC) Board of Directors voted unanimously Monday evening to accept the resignation of Executive Director Mike Cully. The vote occurred in a virtual meeting that was open to the public and preceded by a closed executive session. These meetings were convened by LOC President Keith Mays in response to a formal complaint filed against Cully on Saturday, December 18 by Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty. The complaint called for the board to take action following statements Cully made on social media and in direct messages to Mayor Beaty.
Monday evening’s open meeting began with the following statement from President Mays:
“The League of Oregon Cities Board of Directors has concluded that Mike Cully can no longer lead the organization.
The LOC supports city leaders statewide in building a strong Oregon, respecting each city’s unique qualities, and each elected official’s contributions to their local communities.
Both the public and private statements made by Mike Cully on December 17 to Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty, in no way reflect the mission, vision, or values of the LOC. Mr. Cully’s treatment of Mayor Beaty is inexcusable and does not align with who the identity of the LOC and the character of its 241 member cities, Board of Directors, employees, sponsors, and business partners. The Board wishes to recognize Mayor Beaty for her courage of convictions and her willingness to bring the issue of Mr. Cully’s comments to their attention.
The city of Beaverton, and its elected officials, including Mayor Beaty, are valued members of the LOC and it is the Board’s sincere hope that Mayor Beaty and her community accepts the LOC’s apology and can partner with the LOC moving forward in pursuit of its stated mission.”
The board then voted unanimously to pass the following motion, which was made by LOC Treasurer Steve Callaway:
“I move to accept Executive Director Mike Cully’s resignation on the terms requested in his resignation letter dated December 20, 2021, with two stipulations: that Mike Cully, as a result of the complaint that was filed against him, be placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately, with him remaining in that status until his resignation date; and that he execute a statement waiving any claims against the LOC, with the specific language being approved by Citycounty Insurance Services. Mr. Cully has until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, to accept these stipulations, or the LOC Executive Committee is directed to move forward on the Board of Directors behalf, with termination of his employment.”
Following the meeting, LOC attorneys drafted an appropriate waiver of claims. Cully then signed the document Tuesday afternoon, finalizing the resignation.
Before adjournment Monday evening, the board named LOC General Counsel Patty Mulvihill as acting executive director. Mulvihill joined the LOC in 2016 as assistant general counsel and was promoted to general counsel in 2017.
Statement from LOC President Keith Mays:
“As the representative of Oregon’s 241 cities, the League of Oregon Cities places the highest priority on the ethical and professional conduct of its employees, particularly our senior executive. The LOC takes all allegations of misconduct very seriously, and I commend our board of directors for acting swiftly and decisively in response to this complaint and making the collective statement that this conduct will not be tolerated. There simply is no place for comments disparaging the hard-working members of our communities, particularly those who have shown such commitment during the current pandemic.”
View the Recording of Monday’s Open Public Meeting
Access Passcode: Q5Mqz2G?
About the League of Oregon Cities
Founded in 1925, the League of Oregon Cities (LOC) is a voluntary association representing all 241 of Oregon’s incorporated cities. The LOC helps city governments serve their citizens by providing legislative advocacy services, policy consultation, intergovernmental relations assistance, networking and training, technical assistance and publications.
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