(Chatham, Va.) — The director of Pittsylvania County Social Services was fired from her position after a closed-door meeting of the DSS board Thursday night. Sherry Flanagan has held the position for the past ten years.

The Chatham Star Tribune reports that the decision came at the conclusion of a lengthy closed session.

Several board members expressed their disapproval of the action and asked that the decision be delayed until after an investigation into department operations is completed.

The board is following the recommendations of Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bob Warren to take over DSS finances by September 1, all DSS human resources and develop a plan of action for the department, which has come under increasing fire in recent months.