Lori Harbert, director of the Washington County Children and Youth Services, has resigned effective Friday.
Harbert could not be reached for comment, but county Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan said her departure was voluntary.
Irey Vaughan, who spearheads a children and youth task force focused on improving services, said Common Pleas Judge John DiSalle brought two CYS cases to the task force's attention early in the year. She would not comment on the nature of the cases or whether they are tied to Harbert's resignation.
DiSalle could not be reached for comment.
“Working in Children and Youth Services is a very difficult position, whether you're a case worker or the director,” Irey Vaughan said. “It's an area people tend to get burned out in. It's a very emotional, high-stress agency.”
Timothy Kimmel, county director of human services, will serve as interim CYS director until a permanent replacement is hired. Scott Fergus, county director of administration, said the county will advertise for the position beginning Sunday.
Harbert was hired in August 2008.
Rachel Weaver is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-320-7948 or rweaver@tribweb.com.
