Kevin Ward, the former CEO of Des Moines-based Iowa Orthopedic Center, is alleging retaliation and age discrimination after he was fired days after filing a defamation lawsuit, the Des Moines Register reported June 23.
Mr. Ward, who was CEO since 2005, was fired days after he filed his lawsuit. He had been placed on indefinite suspension in April, but he claims he was never told why.
On April 6, members of Iowa Orthopedic Center's executive committee told Mr. Ward that he was under investigation and demanded access to his personal cell phone. Mr. Ward said he had no indication anything was wrong until he was approached, the report said.
Mr. Ward filed a lawsuit June 10, suing on counts of libel and slander. The complaint alleges written and verbal statements about his suspension have caused personal and professional harm. Mr. Ward's attorney, David Albrecht, told the Des Moines Register that the former CEO is cooperating with the company's investigation. A complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission alleging age discrimination was also filed.
Mr. Ward was subsequently fired June 16, and Mr. Albrecht told the news outlet his client would amend his lawsuit to reflect the alleged retaliation and breach of contract.
Attorneys for Iowa Orthopedic Center told the Des Moines Register that the dispute is "purely a personnel matter" and didn't involve patient care.