The American Numismatic Association (ANA) Board of Governors has appointed Colorado Springs attorney and ANA General Counsel Christopher Cipoletti to succeed Executive Director Edward C. Rochette, who will retire next year.

Association President John W. Wilson made the announcement today during opening ceremonies for the ANA World’s Fair of Money^SM in New York City.

“The Board is thrilled to announce the selection of Chris to oversee the day-to-day operations of the ANA,” Wilson says. “He brings energy and talent to the Association to lead us into the 21st century.”

Rochette, who will serve out his contract that expires on July 31, 2003, seconded Wilson’s comments, adding, “I am 1000-percent behind this decision. The Board has made a great choice in naming Chris to lead the ANA.”

Cipoletti, who began working for the ANA in 1997 and was named the organization’s general counsel in 1998, says, “I am honored that the Board has selected me to succeed Ed Rochette. I am hopeful that I can accomplish half as much as Ed has in his many years of dedicated service to the ANA membership. I look forward to assisting the Association define and carry out its mission, and to serving the needs of the membership.”

Cipoletti is expected to assume the duties of executive director in early 2003, after making a transition from his law practice. Rochette, who was given a two-year extension on his contract in 2001, will become “executive director emeritus” when Cipoletti begins his new job, working primarily on fund-raising for the ANA’s museum and library in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The 41-year-old Cipoletti is an ANA life member and comes to the Association with substantial knowledge of its operation and an understanding of membership needs and expectations. Working in private practice since 1986, he has been a partner in two large, regional law firms and currently is a partner in the law firm of James and Cipoletti. His practice emphasizes representation of public entities, nonprofit and health-service organizations, and educational institutions. In addition to courtroom work, Cipoletti has represented clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Colorado and United States Civil Rights Commissions, and Office of Fair Housing, as well as in non-governmental proceedings before the American Arbitration Association.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Law School, Cipoletti began working for the ANA with a wealth of knowledge in the nonprofit arena. In addition to his legal practice, he has served on numerous nonprofit boards in the Pikes Peak Region and currently serves as the chairman of the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Rochette, who served 20 years on the ANA staff (1966-86) – both as executive director and editor of the ANA’s monthly journal, The Numismatist, was a member of the Board of

Governors for six years (1987-93), including a term as president. In July 1998, he was asked by the Board to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Association on an interim basis. In 1999 the Board made him the permanent executive director and extended his contract for two years in 2001. At that time, Rochette said he wanted to assist his replacement during a transition period.

Originally Release Date: July 31, 2002

ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9872

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