JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A University of Florida investigation has found that a pediatrician with the First Coast Child Protection Team (CPT) in Jacksonville fostered a hostile work environment that drove away experienced staff and undermined the team’s mission, according to an investigative report obtained by News4JAX.
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According to the university, Dr. Barbara Knox signed an agreement on June 24 that will make her resignation from UF Health official on Aug. 15 after uncovering alleged bullying, intimidation and retaliatory actions against employees at the CPT, a unit dedicated to investigating child abuse cases.
The investigation began in October 2024 after UF’s College of Medicine Jacksonville received a complaint letter outlining serious concerns about Dr. Knox’s management.
Read the full investigative report below
Over several months, investigators interviewed 24 current and former staff, including doctors, nurses, case coordinators, and administrators, the report states.
Many described an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, with staff “walking on eggshells” around leadership, the report said. Witnesses recounted being publicly berated, isolated from colleagues, or targeted for removal if they were seen as loyal to previous management. Also, several long-serving employees resigned or were forced out within a year of Knox’s appointment as division chief.
The report also highlighted concerns about questionable promotions. Staff said that unqualified individuals were elevated to key roles, sometimes over more experienced colleagues. Some employees reported being asked to perform personal tasks for Knox—such as transporting her children or editing college essays— and receiving cash or gift cards as compensation.
In one notable incident, Knox allegedly instructed administrators to find “dirt” on employees who had complained about her, raising concerns about retaliation.
There were also reports of racially insensitive comments made by Knox to a bi-racial staff member.
Additionally, the investigation examined the role of Division Director Jennifer Koerner, who was accused of supporting Knox’s actions through administrative measures like unwarranted reprimands and forced resignations. However, the investigator did not find enough evidence to conclude that Koerner created a hostile work environment to the same extent.
In the final report, UF concluded that Knox’s leadership violated university regulations on professional conduct and disruptive behavior. The investigator noted that while the CPT faced operational challenges and needed stronger oversight, Knox’s approach went far beyond what was necessary, creating a culture of fear and mistrust that interfered with the team’s ability to serve vulnerable children and families.
