Steve Martini — Metro Nashville’s director of emergency communications, who was placed on leave last month — has been fired.
Alex Apple, a spokesperson with the mayor's office, confirmed Martini’s termination — effective Feb. 2 — with Scene sister publication the Nashville Post. Martini initially rejected Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s request for a resignation and instead was placed on administrative leave in January. This followed an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation and mismanagement, all spanning multiple years.
Investigation outlines ‘pervasive culture of fear, dissatisfaction and disengagement’ under Stephen Martini
Law firm Ogletree Deakins sent a 13-page report to Metro legal director Wally Dietz on Jan. 9 outlining a “pervasive culture of fear, dissatisfaction and disengagement” created by Martini. The report found that complaints made to the Department of Emergency Communications' human resources department were not investigated or handled properly and that many employees of the department did not come forward to with specific details regarding the allegations due to fear of retaliation.
“The majority of interviewees indicated that employees have consistently reported feeling intimidated by Director Martini’s leadership style and certain leadership practices/decisions, which have fostered an atmosphere of anxiety and distrust,” the report reads.
The Metro Council unanimously passed a resolution in December pushing for the mayor’s office and DEC to enact change over the department’s leadership and workplace culture.
Since Martini was placed on administrative leave, Patrice Coleman has served as interim director of the department. She is the current deputy director of operations.
This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post.
