Atlanta Human Resources Commissioner Placed on Administrative Leave Amidst Nepotism Allegations
Alleged Hiring of Daughter Ignites Investigation
The City of Atlanta has placed its Commissioner of Human Resources on administrative leave following allegations of nepotism. While on leave, Commissioner Tarlesha Smith is being investigated by the city’s Law Department. The alleged allegations revolve around Commissioner Smith creating a designated city role for her daughter and attempting to terminate her daughter’s superior.
The Office of the Inspector General’s undertaking into Smith began in April 2023, but the acquired full-time position for Smith’s daughter with the City Solicitor’s Office was reportedly created in the fall of 2022. The report obtained reported that the daughter’s onboarding process was expedited, ignoring elements of her background check and disregarding her ineligibility. There were no checks on her academic or employment credentials as she did not meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
Dire Strains and Termination Threats within the Department
As the report alleges, trouble started when Smith’s daughter began to be late and absent from her work resulting from her inability to telework, as suggested by her supervisor, Jennifer Johnson, the OCS Director of Administration. Johnson then proposed that she be terminated, but the Department of Human Resources instead investigated Johnson, placed her on administrative leave, and stated she would be terminated.
The lack of any complaints about Johnson’s 25-year service record led her department head to demand the DHR provide proof to support the termination – a formal complaint and their investigation records but his request was not met.
Evidence Points to Unprofessional Conduct
Testimony from past city employees unearthed additional perplexing accusations of unprofessional and non-standard behavior within the HR department. Some describe an intimidating ‘kiss the ring’ culture established by Smith, where employees felt compelled to comply with her demands for preferential treatment.
The bizarre culture included requirements to attend all of Smith’s presentations and adhere to a specific dress code, which involved wearing color-coded clothing. It was further described as gang-like, with specific individuals alienated if they did not align with the standards set by Smith.
Another ex-employee recounted Smith as having a quick temper and being unforgiving, with frequent emotional outbursts. The testimony of these past employees brought to light troubling dynamics within the Human Resources Department that will undoubtedly be addressed during the ongoing investigation.
Smith Placed on Leave as Full Investigation Begins
Reacting to the report, a City of Atlanta spokesperson informed that Smith was put on administrative leave while the City Law conducts an independent investigation and interviews additional employees. The spokesperson stated, “We want to ensure we have a comprehensive review of the facts.” In light of recent events, the city has also requested of the Law Department to form an updated policy pertaining to immediate family hires.
