(WBIR – KNOXVILLE) – The former finance manager for the Metropolitan Planning Commission is suing Knox County, the city of Knoxville and the planning commission, alleging she was terminated in violation of state and federal laws.

Dee Anne Reynolds of LaFollette filed a complaint in US District Court in Knoxville.

Reynolds was part of the MPCs management team until she was terminated in June 2014, according to records. She had worked at the planning commission, supported by both the city and the county, since 2002.

Reynolds alleges she was fired by former MPC Director Mark Donaldson in retaliation for standing up for Elizabeth Albertson, an employee who complained she was a victim of sexual discrimination and unequal pay.

According to the lawsuit, Donaldson became increasingly hostile toward her as she pressed Albertsons case.

In October 2013, according to Reynolds, she received a trumped up written disciplinary warning from Donaldson. She alleges he acted to retaliate against her for supporting Albertson.

She seeks unlisted compensatory damages.

Donaldson left the agency in August 2014 amid growing pressure by some community

groups seeking his termination.

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