Patricia Dunn

Once one of the most powerful business women in America, Dunn is now at the centre of a criminal investigation claiming she used questionable business practices to root out leaks to the press by HP board members. She maintained her innocence in a recent 60 Minutes interview, but time will tell whether the court system will agree with her proclamations.

Patricia Dunn was born on March 27, 1953, in Burbank, California . She grew up in Las Vegas where both her parents were involved with the casino industry. When her father died as a teenager, the family returned to California. After dropping out of the University of Oregon to support her mother, Dunn later returned to her studies at UC Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1975. 

The young Patricia began her career as a temporary secretary at Wells Fargo & Co., where her strong work ethic and keen business sense allowed her to eventually climb to the position of CEO. She later joined Hewlett Packard, one of the world’s leading computer and electronics companies. In this environment, like her last, her efforts were recognized and rewarded. After being named ‘Financial Woman of the Year’ in 2001, she replaced Carly Fiorina as chairman and CEO.

Dunn is currently being investigated for activities involving the investigation of board leaks to reporters in 2005 and 2006. The companies hired by HP obtained the personal telephone records of HP board members and reporters using fraudulent methods, and it is alleged that Dunn was involved in these illegal activities. As a result, it was announced on September 12^th of 2006 that Patricia would be replaced as Chairman in January of 2007, but would be allowed to continue with her position as board member. Nevertheless, she resigned from both positions on September 22^nd of 2006, amidst the allegations and pending criminal investigation.

On October 4^th, Dunn and four others were charged with four felony charges: fraudulent use of wire, radio or television transmissions; taking, copying, and using computer data without authorization, identity theft and conspiracy. She is scheduled to be arraigned on these charged in November of 2006.

In a move reminiscent of Martha Stewart, Dunn publicly appeared on 60 Minutes in an interview with Leslie Stahl, where she denied knowledge of the illegal practices, and hinted that she was being used as a scapegoat in the scandal.

On a personal level, the timing couldn’t have been worse for Dunn. A breast cancer and melanoma survivor, Dunn was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in January of 2004. She went into remission until 2006, when it was discovered the cancer had returned. She was scheduled to undergo chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer in October of 2006. 

Dunn’s husband, banker Bill Jahnke, is staying devotedly by his wife’s side.