After he was hired for the six-month, $30-per-hour unbenefited position, she approved his timesheets and authorized his compensation. Then, in August 2023, Sharpes-Smith received authorization to post and fill the permanent learning management system support position, which would have duties identical to her brother’s temporary position. After interviewing candidates, the hiring committee recommended Sharpes-Smith’s brother for the permanent position, based, in part, on his experience in the temporary position. The conflict of interest law prohibits state employees from participating in matters in which they or members of their immediate family have a financial interest. A UMass spokesperson confirmed Sharpes-Smith’s last day in employment was July 26, 2024, but otherwise couldn’t comment on personnel decisions.