Supervisor panel withdraws removal and confirms Jennifer Pike remains on Heart of Appalachia board

Jennifer Pike told the Scott County Board of Supervisors she had been wrongly removed from the Heart of Appalachia executive board and that the State Ethics Council told her serving the organization while holding her appointed county role did not create a conflict. Pike said she had not received compensation or a contract from the group and that county staff had provided inaccurate information leading to her reported removal.

Following Pike's remarks and questions from supervisors, the board discussed the matter publicly. County Administrator Mr. Wilson said he had been told the Heart of Appalachia director believed Pike's role made her ineligible; he also acknowledged he had not seen the ethics council email Pike referenced. Supervisors said the new information merited reopening the decision.

Supervisor discussion focused on whether the board had followed the removal procedures required by the Code of Virginia for appointed members. Several supervisors said they had misunderstood earlier information and moved to withdraw the reported removal. One motion asked staff to confirm in writing that the prior action had no force or effect because the board's earlier conclusion had been based on incomplete information.

The board voted to confirm in writing that the attempted removal of Pike was withdrawn and of no legal effect. Pike said she would continue to serve on the Heart of Appalachia board until she is notified by the Scott County Circuit Court of any official removal. The board also directed staff to follow up on the record and to ensure future communications with appointees are accurate.

Next steps: the board asked county staff to document the action in writing and to follow established court procedures if any future removal process is considered.