In a significant shake-up within Atlanta’s city government, Human Resources Commissioner Tarlesha Smith has been fired, effective immediately. This decision follows an investigation by the city’s Department of Law, which found that Smith abused her power to secure a job for her daughter, bypassing standard hiring protocols.

The investigation was initiated after Channel 2 Action News reported in May that Smith had been suspended amidst growing concerns over her conduct. An investigative report revealed that Smith had launched an inquiry into one of the city’s human resources supervisors after they attempted to terminate her daughter’s employment.

The inspector general’s report highlighted multiple irregularities in the hiring process of Smith’s daughter. Contrary to city policy, Smith’s daughter did not go through the usual hiring procedures, such as interviews or meeting the minimum job requirements. Additionally, she received a job offer before the position was officially posted for other candidates. There were even allegations that she may have falsified her resume.

The report further noted that Smith’s daughter exhibited a pattern of absenteeism, often arriving late or missing entire workdays. When her supervisor sought to terminate her employment, Smith retaliated by investigating the supervisor, leading to complaints of harassment and abuse of power.

The culmination of these complaints triggered a thorough investigation into Smith’s actions. The findings led to her immediate dismissal. A letter from the Mayor’s Office to the Atlanta City Council stated: “The Law investigation led to the determination that Commissioner Smith engaged in misconduct, including having abused her power by encouraging preferential treatment for her daughter in the hiring and execution of her duties as Compliance Analyst in the City of Atlanta Office of the Solicitor, and subsequent adverse action against her daughter’s direct supervisor. Accordingly, Commissioner Smith’s employment with the City of Atlanta has been terminated, effective immediately.”

As the city commences a nationwide search for Smith’s permanent replacement, Calvin Blackburn, Esq. will serve as the Interim Human Resources Commissioner. The Mayor’s Office emphasized that the search for Smith’s successor will be comprehensive, aiming to restore integrity and trust within the city’s Human Resources Department.

Credit: WSBTV