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6h ago

Former UMass Amherst Associate Provost Fined $10,000 for Conflict-of-Interest Violation in Brother’s Hire

Ethics officials say she acted on her brother’s hiring without the required disclosure or public determination.

Entrance to the campus of University of Massachusetts at Amherst. (Christopher Evans/Boston Herald, File)

Overview

  • The Massachusetts State Ethics Commission announced a disposition agreement Wednesday confirming a $10,000 civil penalty.
  • Heather Sharpes-Smith admitted violating the conflict-of-interest law and waived her right to a public hearing.
  • In May 2023 she sought a temporary learning management hire without disclosing the candidate was her brother, then signed his offer, verified his background check, and approved timesheets.
  • She took part in screening for the permanent role; a committee recommended her brother, who was hired in November 2023 at a $68,000 salary.
  • Sharpes-Smith served at UMass through 2024 and now leads URI Online, and UMass Amherst did not immediately provide comment.