Juvenile court employee tells commission she was removed after asking about duties; HR director will investigate

A juvenile court employee, identified at the meeting as Tamika Williams, told the Shelby County Board of Commissioners that her position as a data and research specialist was eliminated without notice after she sought clarification about a reassignment to the IT team.

Williams said the reassignment was followed by a removal from her role and that three male colleagues affected in the same staffing action were offered alternate positions (two were promoted), while she was not. She said she had worked for Shelby County government for nearly 10 years and that her performance had not been in question: "I have a proven record of excellence," Williams said, adding she prepared the juvenile court's annual report and led IT efforts for sitting judges.

Williams also alleged retaliation after filing a formal complaint against leadership and described a workplace climate without a union or other safeguards in her department. She asked the commission to ensure fairness and accountability and to be offered an equivalent position or to be returned to her job.

Commissioner Brittany Thornton asked whether Human Resources and administration staff were present. Cheryl Thorne, director of human resources, came to the dais and told commissioners she had not been following the remarks closely but said she would meet with Williams and provide a report back to the commission. Thornton specifically requested an update on why other employees impacted by the same staffing changes had been rehired while Williams said she received no offer. Thorne said she would "sit down and talk to her and give a report back," and later clarified that if the matter involved elected officials it might limit HR action, but she would still meet with Williams and report to the commission.

Commissioners said they wanted the administration to follow up and provide clarity. A motion was made on the floor for the director of human resources to investigate and report back; the meeting record shows commissioners directed HR to follow up and the chair indicated the matter would be pursued.

Williams' remarks came during the commission's consideration of a resolution (item 8 on the agenda) that had other purposes; her statement was recorded in the public-comment record and drew a staff response and commitment to investigate. No formal personnel decision was taken on the floor; commissioners requested administrative follow-up and a report to the body.