Arizona Governor Jan Brewer fired the head of the Department of Administration, Brian McNeil, without giving any reason. The Iraq War veteran and experienced insider had worked in state government for two decades.

According to The Associated Press, McNeil was fired on Friday Oct. 17 after working as director of the Department of Administration since 2012, when Brewer appointed him. The Republican governor chose her deputy chief of staff, Kathy Peckardt, as interim director. Speaking to reporters, Brewer's spokesman, Andrew Wilder, said McNeil's removal was a personnel matter and could not elaborate further.

However, according to The Associated Press, the reason why McNeil was fired was because an employee filed a complaint against him. The unnamed employee recorded McNeil making comments about her race and sexuality "that created a hostile work environment." 

Employees of the Department of Administration learned about McNeil's dismissal in a morning email Peckardt sent, according to the Arizona Republic. However, the email did not explain why McNeil was removed, simply adding that she will be in the position until the new governor chooses a replacement.

During his term as director of the ADOA, McNeil cleaned up a lot of corruption within Brewer's administration, including the removal of three top state officials.

Jesse Hernandez, ex-chairman and director of the state Board of Executive Clemency, was investigated last year by the ADOA, leading to his removal after it was revealed he promoted an unqualified employee he was dating, among other offenses.

The ADOA under McNeil also investigated Arizona State Parks Director Bryan Martyn, who hired his three sons to work in the department. Though he was not dismissed, Martyn lost two weeks worth of pay, and his investigation led to the resignation of the ADOA Chief Human Resources Officer DiAnne Baune.

McNeil's office also investigated Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Administrator Jim Hacking, who was forced to retire after an investigation revealed he gave illegal raises. Hacking was allowed to retire thanks to Brian Tobin, the PSPR chairman.

Brewer had appointed all of the people involved in these scandals: Hernandez, Martyn and Tobin.