Charles R. Pottenger v. Potlatch Corporation, a Delaware Corporation

Charles R. Pottenger worked for the Potlatch Corporation, a diversified forest products company, for 32 years until he was discharged in April 2000 at age 60. During his tenure at Potlatch, Pottenger rose to Group Vice President of Pulp and Paper, reporting directly to Potlatch’s President, Richard Paulson. After his dismissal, Pottenger sued Potlatch alleging that he was forced to retire in violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), 29 U.S.C. §§ 621 et seq., and the Idaho Human Rights Act, Idaho Code §§ 67-5901 et seq. Pottenger also claims intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation under Idaho law. The district court dismissed all Pottenger’s claims on summary judgment, and we affirm.

I

Pottenger joined Potlatch in 1968 after receiving his Ph.D. in paper technology. He held a variety of positions in the company, generally moving up through the ranks. In 1993, he became a group vice president, and at the date of his termination he was Group Vice President of Pulp and Paper. As a group vice president, Pottenger reported directly to the President and Chief Operating Officer of Potlatch, Richard Paulson, who reported to the CEO,…