FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 6, 2007) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) congratulates Robert L. Nardelli on his appointment today as Chairman and CEO of the Chrysler Group. Nardelli has served on the NIAF Board of Directors and in 2002 received a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business at the Foundation’s 27th Anniversary Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.

“On behalf of the NIAF Board of Directors, I congratulate Bob on his well-deserved appointment. He has an impeccable reputation in the business community,” says Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli, NIAF chairman.

Nardelli follows in the footsteps of another prominent Italian American Lee Iaccoca, former CEO and chairman of the Chrysler Corporation, who also served on the NIAF Board of Directors. In 1982, Iaccoca was honored at the Foundation’s Seventh Anniversary Awards Gala with a NIAF Achievement Award in Business and Industry.

Additionally, Nardelli joins Tom W. LaSorda, current president and vice chairman of the Chrysler Group. LaSorda was honored last year at the Foundation’s 31st Anniversary Awards Gala with a NIAF Special Achievement Award in Business.

Nardelli is former CEO of The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer. He joined the company in December 2000 and left in January of this year. Under his leadership, he was credited with doubling Home Depot’s revenue during his six-year tenure.

NIAF is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. To learn about our programs and events, visit www.niaf.org.