Atlanta HR Commissioner Tarlesha Smith Placed on Administrative Leave

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The City of Atlanta's HR Commissioner Tarlesha Smith has been placed on administrative leave by Mayor Andre Dickens, effective immediately. Deputy Chief Commissioner Jason Ingram is leading the HR department during her absence. This announcement from Chief Operating Officer Lisa Benjamin (Gordon) comes at the heels of an explosive City Council meeting discussing her bullying and failure to provide funds to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport's Maintenance Employees.  This was the second time since March the employees had voiced their concerns over unfair treatment, sexual harassment, and compensation. Airport Employees Attend City Council Meeting March 

It is alleged Commissioner Smith had a pattern of meeting with maintenance employees the day before city council meetings and urging them not to attend. Another tactic was scheduling "mandatory" meetings during council meetings to deter attendance. Commissioner Smith also taunted the employees and urged them to record the meeting. It is alleged that under her leadership, city funds have been misused for personal expenses. Her daughter Bridget Smith resides full time in Florida but is on the payroll at the Solicitor's Office as a compliance analyst. A role that he received without going through the proper interview process. Nepotism Allegations

"Compliance Analyst" Bridget Smith


Inspector General Shannon Manigault attempted to obtain personnel information and meet with Smith on numerous occasions. 
IG Shannon Manigault

Page 33 of IG Manigault's report details her attempts. Mayor Andre Dicken's COO Lisa Benjamin and COS Odie Donald were copied on the correspondences dating back to 2023 but neither intervened to expedite the information request(s). COO Lisa Benjamin received the IG report May 9, 2024, but took no action until May 16, 2024, one day after Community Leader Dr. Duvwon Robinson spoke about Smith's bullying of employees during the Atlanta City Council Transportation meeting May 15, 2024. (Dr. Robinson's starts at 1:17:41).

Dr. Duvwon Robinson

 It is no coincidence action was taken one day after the testimony of Dr. Robinson and numerous employees. Dr. Robinson has been a long-time vocal critic of the mistreatment of city employees.
Odie Donald Atlanta
COS Odie Donald II


COO Lis Benjamin


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