Who's who in College of DuPage wrongful termination suit
The plaintiff: Robert Breuder
Resident of: Lake Barrington
Background: President of Harper College from 1997 to 2008. Hired that year as College of DuPage president. Negotiated a controversial $763,000 retirement package in 2015. But after a change in political structure of the COD board, was fired in October 2015 and severance deal was voided. Breuder sues the next day, citing wrongful termination.
• • •
Defendant: Kathy Hamilton.
Resident of: Hinsdale
Career: Certified Public Accountant
Background: Elected to COD board in 2013, voted chairwoman two years later after her $50,000 donation and public backing helped elect three members of their Clean Slate Party. By many 4-3 votes, Hamilton and the three trustees enacted sweeping reforms in the midst of federal and state investigations into the administrative and financial practices at COD, including with Breuder's firing. Hamilton abruptly resigned from her post in December 2015, citing personal reasons.
• • •
Defendant: Deanne Mazzochi
Resident of: Elmhurst
Career: Patent attorney
Background: Elected to the board on the Clean Slate banner. Voted board chairwoman after Hamilton's resignation. Now a Republican candidate for state representative, looking to replace outgoing Rep. Patti Bellock of Hinsdale.
• • •
Defendant: Frank Napolitano
Resident of: Bloomingdale
Career: Technology sales
Background: Elected on Clean Slate ticket. Former member, Bartlett village board. Current COD board vice chairman, and chairman of the board's budget committee.
• • •
Defendant: Charles Bernstein
Resident of: Wheaton resident
Career: Retired Certified Public Accountant
Background: Longtime volunteer with the Village Theater Guild of Glen Ellyn, successful Clean Slate candidate.
• • •
The judge: Andrea Wood
Background: Former senior trial counsel for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Confirmed to the bench in 2013. Nominated by President Barack Obama to succeed the late Judge William Hibbler on the federal bench. A 1995 University of Chicago graduate, Wood earned a law degree from Yale University in 1998. Previously worked at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis.