Claim Filed by Fired County Pension Official

Seven months after being fired amid charges that she abused her authority, former Orange County employee retirement system administrator Mary-Jean Hackwood has filed a claim with the pension board.

Hackwood, who was accused of forcing employees to wrap Christmas presents, wash her car and run other personal errands, has not worked since the pension board placed her on leave in December, according to her attorney, Cameron Smith.

The claim does not seek a particular sum of money but could mark the start of negotiations between the system and her attorney.

The retirement system has 45 days to respond to the claim, which must be submitted before a lawsuit can be filed.

Acting Administrator Terry Slattery said Monday that the board will likely discuss the claim with legal counsel.

The retirement board fired Hackwood after an independent investigation found more than two dozen instances in which she had obliged employees to perform personal chores, from mailing out Christmas cards to taking in the trash cans at her home when she was on vacation.

Hackwood has denied any wrongdoing, and Smith said Monday that publicity over her firing has made it difficult for her to find work.

“She’s traveled around the country for months looking for a job,” Smith said. “She’s well regarded but hasn’t been able to find work.”

Smith said that the process leading up to Hackwood’s firing was unfair.

“There were charges made in public about her honesty and integrity without a hearing,” he said.

“She is not out to get the board. But she feels she wasn’t given a fair shake.”

The board originally voted only to demote Hackwood and move her to an office where she would avoid contact with employees.

But after employees and others criticized the arrangement, the board decided to fire her.