The Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri is without a president and CEO due to the exit of Ron Swift.

Swift said Thursday he resigned the head seat to "seek other opportunities."

WIB attorney Diane Howard said Swift's resignation took effect at the end of August. He was placed on two weeks' paid leave in July after a former employee claimed discrimination.

The investigation into those allegations is still pending completion by the Missouri Human Rights Commission, Howard said.

Swift said Thursday there are no allegations against him and that the MHRC's investigation is "with the board." He declined to comment whether he would seek any legal action.

Swift held the position since early 2000, when the local WIB was created as part of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Previously, he was a chairman of the Private Industry Council of Southeast Missouri.

WIB chairwoman Beth McFarland declined comment other than to say the organization has not begun to actively seek a replacement for Swift.

mwells@semissourian.com

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