Oregon Coast Community Action has settled a claim with former Executive Director Kim Brick. Brick was relieved of her duties abruptly on September 14th last year. ORCCA Attorney Jennifer Bouman-Steagall confirmed Brick had alleged multiple claims stemming from her separation. ORCCA has denied any wrongdoing. She says ORCCA also countered by alleging wrongdoings by Brick. The two sides agreed to the no-fault settlement. In that agreement, $275-thousand dollars is being paid through the insurance carrier, not from restricted or grant funds. It also does not impact programs. The organization posted a chronological depiction of Brick’s service to its social media and website where it will remain for 7 days. It was part of the 5-page settlement.
Bouman-Steagall and ORCCA officials say they believe the organization would have prevailed had the case gone to trial but opted to settle to avoid the cost and time of litigation, create a further divide, and remove the distraction that would take away from necessary ORCCA operations. ORCCA serves a vulnerable population through programs funded by community contributions, grants, and local, state, and federal programs. The ORCCA attorney added it was the organization’s assessment it had struggled financially, in contractual decision-making, and in personnel matters under Brick’s leadership.
Brick had not responded to our request for comment by press time. However, on her social media page, she posted the 22 years of service acknowledgment by ORCCA. Her post also included 11 lessons learned. In those, she wished ORRCA the “very best” and acknowledged her love for the organization, the role it plays in the community, and its staff.
The settlement represents a fraction of what had originally been sought by Brick’s lawsuit. It was signed on the 21st and became effective March 29, 2022.