TRAVERSE CITY — Gerard Bodalski, CEO of the Grand Traverse Pavilions, resigned Friday following allegations about his conduct toward certain employees and residents.
Bodalski had been serving as CEO for 11 months.
The Grand Traverse County Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the Pavilions, announced the change Friday afternoon after receiving a report from Warner Norcross + Judd, a Grand Rapids-based law firm.
At the request of county DHHS officials, the law firm conducted an independent investigation into Bodalski’s conduct toward some staff members and residents.
E-mails criticizing Bodalski’s on-the-job behavior had been circulating in the area for several weeks.
However, the details of those allegations – and the investigation report itself – are not yet publicly available.
“The investigation done earlier this week was waged with integrity and without bias,” said Mary Marois, DHHS board chairperson. “After reviewing the findings today at our regular meeting, the Board and Mr. Bodalski have decided to part ways.”
Bodalski’s resignation is effective immediately.
The state of Michigan was informed about a “facility-reported incident” that was included “within the scope of the investigation,” Marois said.
“We will cooperate with the State in any further investigation of this issue,” she added.
In the meantime, the DHHS has asked Pavilions’ Finance Director Lindsey Dood to assume the role of acting chief executive officer, while the board works to find a suitable replacement for the now vacated position.
Located on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons, the Pavilions provides skilled nursing care, assisted living quarters, respite care and rehabilitation services to more than 165 low-income senior citizens.
It is the largest county-owned facility of its kind in the state of Michigan.
The majority of Pavilion residents live in the skilled nursing facility.
Another 50 or so who don’t require that level of care are in the assisted living center nearby, which provides them with a supported living environment.
Bodalski joined the Pavilions in late January following a three-month search process to replace interim CEO David Hautamaki.
His annual salary was $200,000 per year, plus health care insurance and related benefits, DHHS officials said at the time.
Bodalski came to Traverse City with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare management with a special focus on skilled nursing and assisted living. Prior to accepting the job in Traverse City, he was the administrator of a 120-bed skilled nursing facility in Elk Grove, Wisconsin.
He also served on a statewide health care commission there.