Garnett and Anderson County just hired a new Economic Development Director, however, she has now resigned and is making accusations toward the previous director. Sherry Harrison says she was subjected to “threatening, intimidating and humiliating” treatment from outgoing director, Julie Turnipseed. Harrison says that Turnipseed continued to access the Economic Development office, files and computer system weeks after her resignation, and the former director specifically made comments undermining Harrison to community leaders and local business people. She says the situation caused her to suffer emotional distress, lack of sleep, exhaustion, feelings of being unsafe in her own office and workplace.
Outgoing Mayor, Jason Sheahan refused to comment on Harrison’s resignation or her severance demand, but the situation highlights structure issues within the organization, Chamber of Commerce, Morning Mingle, Love What’s Local and community development. He says the city needs to reevaluate the structure and funding.
