Outside investigation into Fargo communications office details series of employee complaints

Gregg Schildberger, former Chief Communications Officer, City of Fargo

FARGO (KFGO) – An outside investigation into the City of Fargo’s Communications and Governmental Affairs Office details a series of complaints against former Chief Communications Officer Gregg Schildberger

A Bismarck law firm was hired to conduct the investigation, the results of which were first requested several weeks ago by KFGO News.

The investigation found through exit interviews that management was difficult to work with, describing the environment as intense, rude, and demeaning. It said there was excessive and unwarranted discipline, a lack of training and support from leadership. Over the past seven years, 16 employees quit. Some employees cited long and unpredictable work hours.

Several reported that the level of anxiety had a negative impact on their mental health. They began binge eating or drinking excessively. Others had bouts of crying, both inside and outside the office. One former employee said they working for the department was the worst job they ever had with a toxic environment marked by favoritism, sexism and disregard for their well being.

The report described Schildberger as very driven and someone who cares deeply about creating a unified brand for the city who demanded an excellent work product from his staff.

Schildberger resigned suddenly last week along with Deputy Communications Officer Katie Ettish and two others. In his resignation letter, Schildberger wrote about the accomplishments of the office. He said he resigned because of conflicts with the City of Fargo’s Human Resources Department.

The office handles public communications for the city, including online and media relations.