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Parkinson foundation investigates 'financial irregularities'; chief departs

A Bellevue nonprofit launched an internal investigation after “financial irregularities” were found and its executive director left the organization.

Parkinson Foundation Western Pennsylvania, which offers services for sufferers of Parkinson’s disease, announced Thursday that former executive director Barbara Farrell “is no longer affiliated with the foundation,” but it’s unclear if her departure is related to the investigation.

Farrell had been the executive director for seven years before her departure.

Foundation spokesman Ken Service said a staff member noticed financial discrepancies and alerted the board.

In addition to the internal investigation, Service said the board then met with a law enforcement agency.

"We expect to receive some material from them next week that they have asked us to review for possible financial irregularities," said a spokesman for the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office.

The board will appoint an interim executive director for the Bellevue-based organization while it searches for a replacement.

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“The Foundation is dedicated to assisting those with Parkinson’s and their families in overcoming the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease, and these unfortunate circumstances have not reduced that dedication one iota,” said board president Michael Wertz in a statement.

"Our donors are the lifeblood of the organization and I want them to know that we are committed to guaranteeing that their support is used wisely and carefully in the manner they expect."

Service said the investigation will not impact the physical and social activities the foundation provides to 12,000 people in Western Pa.

He also said the board has implemented new financial controls.