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A former employee has filed a lawsuit against the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, alleging discrimination and a hostile work environment. According to the Times Union, Stephanie Fitch, who served as the chamber's controller for 23 years, claims she faced gender and age discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
Fitch, 63, was dismissed from her position on October 26, 2023, with an annual salary of $100,000. Her lawsuit, filed in the state Supreme Court in Rensselaer County, accuses the chamber and its president, Norris Pearson, of violating her rights under the state Human Rights Law. The lawsuit describes a "boys club" atmosphere created by hiring younger male employees, which contributed to a hostile work environment.
Fitch alleges that her duties were taken away, she was forced to train her replacement, and she was denied health insurance benefits provided to male colleagues. The lawsuit also claims she was terminated without an opportunity to improve her performance, with the reason given as "creating tension in the office."
Fitch is seeking unspecified damages. The chamber's attorneys have not commented on the lawsuit, and they have until February 3 to respond to Fitch's complaint.