KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Board members of the Knoxville Family Justice Center voted to fire Executive Director Kathryn Ellis in 90 days, at a meeting on Friday morning.
Ellis confirmed the termination to 10News in a text message. WBIR and Ellis were asked to leave the board meeting while committee members discussed a personnel matter in a closed session.
The center helps about ten people a day, Ellis said. It receives some funding from local governments. This first-of-its-kind center in Tennessee tries to combine legal help, safety, housing and counseling for survivors of domestic violence.
The mayors of Knoxville and Knox County, the Knox County Sheriff, the Knoxville Police Chief and the District Attorney General for Knox County hold seats on the Knoxville Family Justice Center board.
Seven board members quit the 19-member board over the last two months, including the board's president.
Before the meeting was closed, Ellis asked if she could speak to the board. She highlighted the divide, between staff members at the center and representatives from KPD, Knox County Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney General's office.
"At least 3 agencies believe that the FJC works for them and that the FJC staff is unnecessary," Ellis said. "As long as blame is put on the executive director and the KFJC staff for any disagreement without other partners taking any responsibility at all, the cycle will continue."
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel did not answer our questions about whether they voted to fire Ellis.
"All indications are that the Family Justice Center is functioning as it should be. It's just the partner agencies and the board that is bickering," said local attorney Katherine Harp, another board member.
A statement from Mayor Kincannon is below:
“The City of Knoxville has been an active partner and funder of the Family Justice Center since its inception,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “We fully support its mission and work in our community, and remain committed to a holistic approach towards ending domestic violence.”
District Attorney General Charme Allen:
"While board members may change, the high-quality services provided by the Family Justice Center is constant. The District Attorney’s Office works with the investigators and advocates at the FJC every day to promote healing for victims and accountability for offenders."
Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel:
"We fundamentally believe in the mission of the Family Justice Center to provide essential services and compassionate support to victims of domestic violence. Our department is committed to keeping the community safe and a victim-focused approach to serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault."