W.Va. Ethics Commission Votes to Fire Executive Director

The West Virginia Ethics Commission voted to fire its executive director and gave no reason for her termination.

The commission’s 5-4 vote Thursday ends Joan Parker’s tenure as director. The commission discussed her firing behind closed doors for about an hour.  
 
Parker started as director in February 2013. She had served as the commission’s general counsel for four years.
 
Ethics Commissioner the Rev. Douglas Sutton said the panel believed Parker’s termination was in the best interest of the commission. He said the commission is not stating a reason for the dismissal because Parker is an employee at will.
 
Before the vote, Parker said she had done everything possible to comply with ethics laws, even when it was unpopular.