Josephine County commissioners vote to terminate Human Resources Director Michelle Shaw

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners voted on July 8, 2026, to terminate Michelle Shaw from her role as Human Resources Director after convening an executive session earlier in the meeting.

Commissioner Gary L. Richardson moved to terminate Shaw; Commissioner Colene M. Martin seconded. In explaining the recommendation before the vote, Richardson said "the recommendation was not based upon malicious conduct or intentional wrongdoing but rather upon the level of skill and expertise required to effectively administer the Human Resources Department." Martin "concurred, noting that the recommendation reflected the County's operational needs and the level of experience required by the position." Chair Ron A. Smith abstained. The roll call was Richardson — yes; Martin — yes; Smith — abstain; the motion carried 2–0.

The board opened its weekly business session at 3:30 p.m. and immediately identified, on the agenda, an item to consider "the dismissal or discipline of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent" under Oregon public meeting law. The meeting record shows the board called an executive session at 3:31 p.m. under ORS 192.660(2)(b) (personnel matters) and later cited ORS 192.660(2)(d) for labor negotiations; the executive session adjourned at 4:48 p.m. and the open session resumed for the formal motion and vote.

The public record for the meeting lists additional attendees for the executive-session items, including legal counsel Sean Ray, Finance Director Matt Eide, Sheriff Dave Daniel and a reporter from the Daily Courier. Minutes for the executive session were filed separately, and the public record supplied at the meeting does not include further details about the deliberations that preceded the motion.

The meeting record shows the board adjourned at 4:51 p.m.