Kevin Ward, former CEO of Des Moines-based Iowa Orthopedic Center, was awarded $1.3 million by an arbitrator after disputing his termination in a 2023 lawsuit, the Des Moines Register reported May 18.
Mr. Ward was CEO of the practice from 2005 to June 2023. When he was fired, he sued, claiming discrimination, retaliation and defamation, the Register reported. In subsequent filings, he claimed his firing was related to a real estate company formed by practice physicians and the motive for his firing was age discrimination, the report said.
The case went to private arbitration, and in January the arbitrator found Iowa Ortho had violated Ward’s employment agreement and awarded damages, the report said.
The practice said in a statement through its attorneys that the arbitration award was solely over the breach-of-contract dispute. Mr. Ward voluntarily dismissed discrimination and retaliation claims, and the arbitrator rejected his claims for defamation, the report said.
“Iowa Ortho considers this dispute resolved and remains focused on delivering exceptional care to patients and providing a healthy, supportive work environment for all its employees going forward,” the statement said.
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