Wendy Trachte-Huber, SFDCT claims administrator, announced her resignation effective April 22, 2005. Ms. Trachte-Huber supervised the claims facility during set up and initial claims review but is returning to academia and consulting in management and conflict resolution.

Referring to the claims facility, Ms. Trachte-Huber said, "This has been a challenging and exciting position. I am proud of the staff and their commitment to serving the needs of claimants. I'm confident that will continue under the new leadership."

Until a replacement is named, Ann Phillips, claims operations manager, who has been with the claims office since its inception in 2001, will oversee daily operations under the supervision of the Finance Committee. It is expected there will be no interruption in claims payment or services to claimants.

In addition, the services of Claims Management Resolution Corporation and Analysis, Research & Planning Corporation have been retained to assist in operations and ensure uninterrupted claims payment.