WASHINGTON, D.C. — Less than a month after settling a wrongful termination lawsuit against Ottawa County, former administrator John Gibbs has found a new role by returning to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Gibbs was fired Feb. 29, 2024, by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners for cause — largely focused on allegations brought forward by two employees who have since left the county via controversial severance agreements that have been called into question by a lawsuit.

Read More: Fired administrator Gibbs sues Ottawa County, Moss for wrongful termination, defamation

The board, now led by a majority of traditional Republicans since Jan. 2, 2025, voted 7-4 to approve a $190,000 settlement to Gibbs, with one-third ($63,333) going toward his attorney’s fees.

Gibbs was hired by the then-Ottawa Impact majority on the board on Jan. 3, 2023, led by former chair Joe Moss.

Moss founded the far-right fundamentalist group under the premise of “defending parental rights” and to “thwart tyranny” within the state and federal government. The OI-led board saw seven lawsuits over the past two years and settlement payouts that have topped over half a million dollars.

Gibbs sued the county on April 8 in federal court claiming the board retaliated against him, violated his First Amendment rights and that Moss defamed him on social media. 

During President Donald J. Trump's first term, Gibbs held roles in the HUD and was acting assistant secretary of HUD for Community Planning and Development. This week, he was named as the principal deputy assistant secretary to HUD's Policy Development and Research arm.

Read More: 'We're in this bad deal because of you': Gibbs lawsuit settled as allegations fly between officials

“I’m honored to have President Trump’s trust to serve him a second time as I return to HUD, this time as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary leading the department of Policy Development and Research," Gibbs told ONN Friday.

"This will be the second department I’ve led at HUD, and in my new role I look forward to driving a strong research and policy agenda at the service of President Trump, our great new Secretary Scott Turner, and the American people," he said.

The PD&R supports HUD's efforts to help create cohesive, economically healthy communities, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In his new role, Gibbs will oversee the organization and procedures of the:

• Management and Administrative Services Division
• Grants Management & University Partnership Division
• Budget and Financial Management Division
• Procurement Management Division

These divisions govern research, finances, planning, risk and performance management, demographic analysis, decisions on affordable housing, and the Open Data Division within the Department.

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After serving in HUD under Trump's first term, Gibbs unsuccessfully ran as the Republican nominee for Michigan's 3rd congressional district in the 2022 elections. He defeated incumbent Peter Meijer in the primary, but lost the general election to Democrat Hillary Scholten.

— Sarah Leach is the executive editor of the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at sleach@ottawanewsnetwork.org. Follow her on Twitter @ONNLeach.