Workforce president takes leave during investigation

Ron Swift, president and CEO of the Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri, has been placed on two weeks paid leave after a former employee has claimed discrimination.

WIB attorney Diane Howard confirmed that Swift, who has been with the job-finding service for years, was out on paid leave while the Missouri Human Rights Commission investigates the charges. Howard said normally she does not comment on personnel matters, but she made an exception to stifle other rumors that were circulating as to why Swift was not at work.

Howard could not comment on the nature of the allegations while they are under investigation. But she did say that the commission was interviewing other employees at the WIB office.

Beth McFarland, chairwoman of the WIB board, declined comment and referred all calls to Howard. Swift did not return phone calls made to his home Thursday afternoon.