COD Board Vice Chairman Fenne to serve as chairman as Napolitano steps down to trustee role

College of DuPage Board Chairman Frank Napolitano is stepping down, opting to complete his term, which ends in April, as a trustee.

The announcement comes after the Bloomingdale resident announced last fall that he would not seek reelection to the College's Board. Napolitano, a former COD student, was elected to the Board in 2015 as a member of the Clean Slate ticket, which included current Trustee Charles Bernstein and former trustee Deanne Mazzochi.

With Napolitano's resignation as chairman, Board Vice Chairman Christine Fenne assumes the role until the board's organizational meeting this spring, per state law and board policy.

Napolitano said his action stems from a desire for a smooth transition with his upcoming departure from the Board.

"Since Christine Fenne was elected four years ago, I have worked very closely with her. Prior to her role as vice chairman, Christine also served as board secretary, on the Board's Auxiliary and Outreach Committee, on the Presidential Search Committee, and as the Board's Strategic Long Range Plan liaison," he said. "I cannot think of a more qualified and deserving person to serve as chairman."

Fenne, a Wheaton resident elected to the Board in 2017, thanked Napolitano for his service to the board and the COD community.

"It has been an honor to serve with you," she said. "I appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to serve the district in support of student success."