Termination letter cites why Port City United Director Cedric Harrison fired from position

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Port City United has undergone a leadership change.

Director Cedric Harrison’s last day with the county was Monday, a spokesperson says.

According to a termination letter signed by the assistant county manager, Harrison is accused of insubordination, going around the assistant county manager to speak to the chief information officer in an attempt to replace IPads provided to Harrison’s staff with laps “at a significant cost to the county.”

The letter also accuses Harrison of using the county email system to conduct outside employment activities during county business hours, and using the Port City United social media page to promote his private business “on more than one occasion.”

The letter goes on to accuse Harrison of violating the county’s travel policy by using a county vehicle for personal use. The letter also alleges that Harrison used a county-issued procurement card to buy a birthday card from Amazon for a business partner.

Rashad Gattison has been selected to serve as interim PCU director.

Gattison has been part of the PCU team from the beginning as the supervisor for the PCU Connect Center, and he will continue overseeing that operation in his role as interim director.

Port City United has a strong and dedicated team, and their impactful work in the community will continue, according to a press release.