Health center CEO resigns

SANDUSKY — The leader of a Sandusky-based health center is apparently out. Reports indicate that David Tatro, who served as CEO of Family Health Services since 2019, is no longer with the federally qualified health center, which maintains offices in both downtown Sandusky and Norwalk. The center states that it provides quality, affordable primary care, behavioral health, dental and nutrition services to residents of Erie and Huron counties, and as a federally qualified health center that receives federal funds, it will serve clients regardless of their ability to pay. Tatro earned about $442,000 annually, according to an IRS filing. The board president of Family Health Services, Jack Runner, told StayTunedSandusky.com that Tatro resigned, but he did not state if Tatro gave a reason for his resignation. Two Family Health Services board members contacted by the Register would not answer questions about Tatro's departure. It's unknown who is acting as the agency's interim leader, nor is it known when it will hire a replacement. Lawsuit pending Tatro's departure comes after a lawsuit was filed at the end of 2025 by a former Family Health Services employee, claiming that Tatro sexually harassed her. On Dec. 23, Cora Higgins, who worked as the director of public relations and as a geriatric nurse for the center, filed a lawsuit in the Northern District Court of Ohio against Family Health Services and Tatro through the Cleveland law firm Sobel, Wade & Mapley. The lawsuit alleges that Tatro's "sexual harassment was of such a severe and pervasive nature that it could have no effect but to interfere with the working conditions of Higgins." Her lawsuit brings these claims against Family Health Services: • Family and Medical Leave Act retaliation • Family and Medical Leave Act interference • Hostile work environment • Wrongful termination • Retaliation The suit levies an additional claim against Tatro: • Aiding and abetting in a violation of Ohio law Specific claims The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages "in excess of $25,000" from the defendants and requests a jury trial. Specific allegations mentioned in the lawsuit include: • Tatro allegedly said that he was previously accused of sexual harassment by a former employee and bragged that it didn't cost him much to make her go away. • Tatro allegedly made comments to Higgins, such as "You women have ruined it for yourselves. Men should be able to say these things to you, but your 'Me Too' movement has ruined all that," after telling him to stop making comments about her body. • Tatro's alleged treatment of Higgins reportedly worsened her preexisting disability, leading her to request time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. • While out on approved leave, Tatro allegedly became upset with her because she did not make herself available for his phone calls and text messages. • After Higgins requested an accommodation, Tatro allegedly retaliated against her, leading her to file a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Family Health Services. Tatro was notified of this on the same day. • Shortly after the filing, Higgins was allegedly fired by Family Health Services while out on approved medical leave. She was first hired in January 2023. Defendants respond An attorney with Columbus-based Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., filed an answer to the lawsuit on behalf of both Family Health Services and Tatro on Feb. 19. In the response, the defendants deny each of Higgins' claims of wrongdoing on their part. They argued that Higgins' actions "were the proximate cause of any injuries, damages or loss of employment that (Higgins) claims to or may have suffered." The defendants additionally requested that the lawsuit be dismissed with prejudice, meaning that it could not be refiled later, along with a judgment in the defendants' favor and "any and all other relief" a federal judge deems appropriate. A hearing occurred on March 19. As of Wednesday, no future court dates were listed.