Three weeks after the board of the American Numismatic Association dismissed its executive director, Christopher Cipoletti, the federally chartered group for 32,000 collectors of coins and paper money still is stinging from the aftermath of concentrated executive power.

Before being terminated, Cipoletti, an employment attorney, had two jobs at the Colorado Springs-based nonprofit organization. He was executive director since 2003 and had served as general counsel since 1998, advising the board and the organization on legal matters. He also retained outside clients. Until Dec. 31, 2006, he was general counsel for the Pikes Peak Library District, spokeswoman Danielle Oller said.

More than two years ago, he persuaded the board to join him in filing a lawsuit in 4th Judicial District Court against three former employees and a computer consultant and his company. Among the complaints are civil theft of business property, breach of loyalty to the association, conspiracy and “intentional infliction of emotional distress by outrageous conduct.” The association hired a Denver law firm, Davis Graham & Stubbs, to represent the co-plaintiffs Read Full Story