County hires new spokesperson following whistleblower allegations

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Greene County hired a new spokesman three months after the former individual in that role alleged misconduct through a whistleblower complaint and left for a new job.

Donna Barton became the county’s public information officer on April 30, according to a news release issued earlier this month. Former spokeswoman Trysta Herzog, who held the title of communications and public engagement director, left to join Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks in February.

Barton brings experience in journalism, public relations, marketing and corporate communications from former jobs with the Springfield News-Leader and CoxHealth. She’s also worked on behalf of nonprofit, accounting and insurance companies.

“Her education and work experience demonstrate that she possesses the skills needed to ensure the county’s story is told in a positive, professional manner,” Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Cirtin said in the release.

Before Herzog chose to exit her position at the county, she alleged in a whistleblower complaint filed with the Missouri auditor’s office that Cirtin forced county employees to spend work time promoting the Invest in Greene County Political Action Committee. The PAC helped secure approval of a half-cent general revenue sales tax during the November 2017 election.

A separate but related investigation by the Missouri Ethics Commission was dismissed last month. The auditor’s office has repeatedly called on the county to allow an audit to be conducted, but Cirtin and others have eschewed that process in favor of the MEC investigation.

Christian County Prosecuting Attorney Amy Fite was appointed as a special prosecutor to determine whether the alleged actions are grounds for the dismissal of Cirtin as presiding commissioner. The case was brought on by resident Linda Simkins, who also spurred the MEC investigation. The county’s first grand jury since 2011 also was convened to cover the Cirtin case and others.