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Residents urge explanation and reinstatement after Gloucester County administrator’s abrupt firing
Summary
Dozens of residents testified at a Gloucester County Board of Supervisors meeting pressing the board to explain the March 30 closed‑door decision that led to the termination of longtime County Administrator Carol Steele, citing lost institutional knowledge, staff departures and community harm.
Dozens of residents urged the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors on May 5 to explain and reverse the March 30 decision to terminate County Administrator Carol Steele, who had served the county for decades.
"The four members who fired Carol Steele should state publicly why they made this decision," said Ken Gibson, a former supervisor and public commenter, who said the dismissal will "poison the well" for future candidates and has already damaged employee morale.
Multiple speakers described Steele’s long local record and contributions. "Carol Steele's 39‑year career with Gloucester County can only be described as remarkable," Terresa Stavens said, adding that Steele helped bring broadband connectivity and regional events that benefited local tourism and parks. A voicemail read into the record by staff from Donald Parker urged the board to reinstate Steele or provide just compensation.
Several commenters linked the administrator’s firing to immediate personnel fallout. Several speakers said Deputy County Administrator and CFO Maria Callaway resigned following the termination; a resident who identified herself as having worked with county projects said the departure was already apparent in county operations.
One public commenter, Diane Jones, alleged specific conduct that she said contributed to the board's action, stating that Steele purchased an artificial‑intelligence system for about $25,000 without board approval and "utilized that AI system to find out where I went to church," saying an office staffer had visited her church multiple times. Jones said she raised concerns to the school board about the matter.
Board members did not debate personnel details during the public‑comment segment; the board followed its agenda by moving to the scheduled public hearing without offering a response to the bulk of the night’s comments. Supervisors present did express appreciation for departing staff later in the meeting: County attorney remarks and other supervisors thanked Deputy Administrator/CFO Maria Callaway for her service as she departs.
The public comments record shows strong community support for Steele and repeated requests for the board to either reinstate her or publicly explain the rationale for termination beyond a generic "personnel" designation. The board did not announce any plan on May 5 to revisit the termination decision; members instead proceeded to other agenda items, including a zoning amendment and a financing decision for a fire station.
The Board’s next steps on the Steele matter were not specified at the meeting; public commenters urged formal answers and potential reinstatement or compensation.
