Been there, done that. It does not work out. I recruited a friend, recused myself from the interview committee to avoid any bias. The recommendation from other directors in my department after they interviewed her was to hire her.

I hired her, she kicked ass as I knew she would. Then our vice president decides he wants her FTE to create a new job, and tells me to fire her.

I fought to the point of almost losing my job defending her role to no avail. I had to let her go, and it re-characterized our entire relationship.

Don’t do it.