COA director cleared of wrongdoing

Ten weeks after having corruption claims brought against her by a former employee, Terrebonne Council on Aging Executive Director Diana Edmonson has been cleared by a COA personnel committee investigation.

“There was never any doubt that I would be cleared because I did nothing wrong,” Edmonson said following the committee’s announced decision on Thursday. “My only concern is how those claims might reflect on the Council on Aging and the reputation of this agency among the people we serve every day.”

On March 8, Janell Brierly filed charges of corruption and discrimination against Edmonson after having been fired from her position as a nutrition manager for “inadequate management skills.”

Within days of Brierley’s filing, which included letters sent to the governor’s office and other agencies, a personnel committee comprised of COA Board of Directors members launched an internal investigation, that included seven closed door sessions, on the claims that included misuse of agency funds, equipment and personnel along with alleged discrimination charges.

“We want to be very thorough in what we are doing,” committee chairman Cal McKey said during the process that had investigators documenting claims, discussions and interviews with legal counsel.

McKay, throughout the process said he wanted to be fair to both sides and make sure nothing was left undone that might bring the matter back to the surface once it was put to rest.

Brierley called the committee’s clearing of Edmonson unfair and accused them of protecting the COA director.

When asked about Brierley’s claim that Edmonson unfairly terminates people, the COA director said she holds high standards for herself and others, but simply expects those under her direction to perform their jobs. “The problem is so many people don’t want to work,” she said. “They just want to put in time. Then they get mad when you replace them.”

During the 20 years that Edmonson has been on the job, this is the third time a disgruntled former employee has brought claims against her.

Edmonson also responded to Brierley’s suggestion of committee members conspiring to protect her. “Look at these board members,” Edmonson said. “These are upstanding people in the community. Do you think they would want to be associated with an agency that is corrupt?”

Brierley contends her fight is not over and has said she intends to approach Louisiana Attorney General James D. “Buddy” Caldwell and seek an investigation in to the entire Terrebonne Council on Aging Board.

Diana Edmonson

MIKE NIXON | TRI-PARISH TIMES