NICC Board Chair and Trustee Under Investigation by Iowa Ethics Board

WINNESHIEK COUNTY — Jim Anderson, Chair of the Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Board of Trustees, and Trustee Wendy Knight are under investigation by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board (IECDB) after complaints of alleged misconduct were filed against them.The IECDB voted unanimously on Thursday, October 31, 2024, to accept the complaints and initiate a formal inquiry. During the IECDB's recent meeting, deliberations on the allegations against Anderson and Knight were described as "straightforward," with board members expressing concern over potential ethical violations. Board member Leah Rodenberg remarked, "I'm baffled by how they got away with hiring [Knight] to do this, so I'd be interested in an investigation." Board Chair James Albert echoed these concerns, noting, "We seem to be seeing more of these. Some outreach is needed. This is something I've spoken on, you'd think this would be pretty fundamental." The investigation follows ongoing controversy involving NICC's administration. NICC President Dr. Herbert Riedel has been on administrative leave since October 2023, following complaints he filed regarding alleged misconduct by senior college administrators and members of the Board. Dr. Riedel has characterized the investigation into Anderson and Knight as part of a larger issue. "It is time that these people are held accountable," Dr. Riedel said in a statement. "The issues being investigated by the IECDB are only scratching the surface of multiple issues going back many years, including possible violations of Iowa law, that I uncovered during my tenure at the college. These involve not only board members, but senior college administrators and the NICC Foundation." Dr. Riedel alleged that during his tenure as President, he discovered instances of misconduct and "abusive behavior" involving Anderson, but that when he brought these issues to the board in October 2023, they took no action. Instead, within days of Riedel's complaints, the board placed him on administrative leave without providing an explanation. "I initially filed the ethics complaint against Wendy Knight on November 15, 2023. Five days later, she and the rest of the Board voted to begin termination proceedings against me," Dr. Riedel said. Dr. Riedel has since appealed his termination, and the matter is currently under litigation in the Winneshiek County District Court, where a hearing is expected to be scheduled soon. Knight responded to DecorahNews.com by welcoming the IECDB review as part of a "fair and transparent process." "I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethics in my work," Knight adds. "Out of respect for the process, I will not be commenting further at this time. I appreciate the support and understanding of those who know my commitment to these values." Anderson has not yet responded to requests for comments from DecorahNews.com. Knowledge is power! Stay empowered by subscribing to the free newsletter, packed with valuable insights, stories of local newsmakers and ideas to get your weekend started.