Oakland fired its Human Services director after just 5 months

"I'm a 43-year-old man who has had an extensive career. I can't believe I would be fired from this role."

"Johnson told him that the city wanted to take the department in another direction."

"Lester said he repeatedly butted heads with Assistant City Administrator Michelle Phillips about department operations."

"The city had given him $10,000 to relocate, and he had been planning to move his family here."

Dr. Jason Lester was hired to lead Oakland's Human Services Department but was terminated after five months. City Administrator Jestin Johnson confirmed the departure and appointed Lea Lakes as Interim Director. Lester expressed shock at his firing, stating he had relocated his family for the job. He believes conflicts with Assistant City Administrator Michelle Phillips contributed to his termination, as Johnson indicated a desire to take the department in a different direction. The city declined to comment on personnel matters.

Read at The Oaklandside