BOWLING GREEN — The longtime head of information technology for Wood County has resigned in the wake of a ransomware attack that cost the county $1.5 million.
Ben Hendricks, who was information technology director for 18 years, resigned Wednesday, said Carri Stanley, county administrator. Mr. Hendricks, who earned $125,694 annually, will use paid time off through Feb. 7, which will be his official last day, Ms. Stanley said Monday.
The commissioners have contracted with Glass City IT, which is based in Monclova Township, and will begin a search for a new information technology director, Ms. Stanley said. Dan Whiting will serve as interim information technology director.
The Glass City IT contract is for $88,800 and is based on time and materials, Ms. Stanley said.
The county is also in the process of finalizing a contract with an outside cybersecurity consultant, she said.
Ms. Stanley sent a letter to county department heads on Thursday about the resignation and new service.
“The outside assistance for the IT Department is meant to complement the staff, not replace it,” Ms. Stanley said in her letter. “We appreciate the patience, dedication, and endurance you and your staff have all shown during this very trying time. Your cooperation has been monumental in getting the county offices through a most difficult six weeks. We assure you that aggressive steps are being taken to ensure that the most appropriate technology, procedures, and systems are being put in place to protect the future security of our IT system.”
The ransomware attack was first detected about 6 a.m. Dec. 9. It blocked the ability of Wood County offices to access the county’s servers, impacting functions at the sheriff’s office, jail, common pleas court, and other county offices.
On Dec. 23, the county announced it had “negotiated and paid a $1.5 million fee to ensure a full and efficient resumption of services.”
The money came from the county’s reserve fund, monies that have been set aside for emergencies and other “unanticipated expenditures.”
Ms. Stanley said no details of Mr. Hendricks’ resignation would be provided.
“For the benefit of the county and privacy of individuals we don’t generally discuss the details of a personnel matter,” she said.
She was asked if he resigned because of the ransomware attack.
“We’re not discussing that,” Ms. Stanley said.
Wood County Prosecutor Paul Dobson said he does not expect any more resignations.
The FBI is continuing the investigation, he said.
“Any information that our consultants obtain, they are providing to the FBI, so it’s out of our hands,” Mr. Dobson said, when asked for an investigation update.
He had no details as to how the ransomware attack happened.
“We’re not discussing the details about the actual security breach to protect the ongoing security at the county level,” Mr. Dobson said.
He said the county’s online services and computers are operating.
“We’re doing very well. The services to the public are back up and running,” Mr. Dobson said.
Commissioner Ted Bowlus said the recovery has been good.
“We’re proceeding at a good pace. We’re coming close to recovery, mostly complete by this stage,” he said.
Dr. Bowlus confirmed the news of Mr. Hendricks’ resignation, but referred to Ms. Stanley and Mr. Dobson for any other comments.
“There is a serious investigation ongoing,” he said.
Mr. Hendricks did not respond to a request for comment.
First Published January 27, 2025, 6:56 p.m.
