Washington People: Ex-Bank One Lobbyist Sues, Charging Age, Sex Bias

Lobbyist Annie Hall is suing Bank One Corp. for $15 million, claiming age and sex discrimination as well as "extensive retaliation" by superiors. The suit also names the company's president, Verne G. Istock, and a senior vice president, Gerald E. Buldak.

Ms. Hall was ousted in March after 17 years at Bank One, which has been undergoing a wrenching reorganization. In her complaint, Ms. Hall alleged that after the 1998 merger of what was then Columbus, Ohio-based Banc One with First Chicago NBD Corp. she was "systematically discriminated against on the basis of her sex and age." She alleged that her pay and title, among other things, were affected.

When she complained, Ms. Hall claimed, her superiors, including Mr. Istock and Mr. Buldak, retaliated. Ms. Hall's lawsuit was filed April 19 in the Court of Common Pleas for Franklin County, Ohio, but only came to light last week when a local newspaper reported on it.

Bank One refused to comment.


The Federal Reserve Board named David J. Stockton director of its research and statistics division, effective July 3.Mr. Stockton, currently the division's deputy director, is to succeed Michael Prell, who is retiring.

The division is responsible for the analysis and forecasting of domestic economic and financial developments in support of the monetary policy work of the board and the Federal Open Market Committee.

In other Fed news, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis appointed James M. Lyon first vice president, effective June 1. Mr. Lyon, who is a senior vice president in charge of banking supervision and regulation, risk management, information technology, and national automated clearinghouse operations, is to succeed Colleen K. Strand, who is retiring.

Mr. Lyon joined the Minneapolis Fed in 1977.


The Independent Insurance Agents of America scored big last week, landing President Clinton as a speaker at its annual legislative conference.The President sang the praises of the Big I and singled out a top staffer, Paul Equale, "whom I see all the time here in Washington, leading your cause." Later, Mr. Clinton added, "I want to thank you for the quality of representation you have here in Washington. We have not always agreed over the last seven years, but I have always been impressed by the straight talk and the honest, open effort that I have seen from your organization."


The Conference of State Bank Supervisors holds its annual meeting this week in San Francisco.Thomas J. Curry, Massachusetts' banking commissioner, is to be the group's next chairman, and its chairman-elect is to be Elizabeth McCaul, New York's top banking regulator.

The group also hired Timothy N. Bergan as senior vice president for international issues.

Before joining the supervisors group, Mr. Bergan was counsel and chief of staff to an International Trade Administration commissioner.

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