FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHERE: The United Stated Capitol
House Visitors Center (HVC 201)
Washington, DC

John Castellani, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), will serve as the keynote speaker at a National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Frank J. Guarini Public Policy Forum on Thursday, July 14, 2011.

During the luncheon, Castellani will discuss medical innovation and how it is helping to improve the lives and health of Americans, the challenges that the biopharmaceutical research industry faces, and possible solutions to these challenges.

NIAF’s leadership including John F. Calvelli, NIAF secretary and Hon. Anita Bevacqua McBride, a member of the NIAF board of directors, will be joined by Representatives Pat Tiberi and Bill Pascrell, co-chairmen of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD) of the 112th United States Congress, Members of the IACD, Italian-American business executives, government officials, opinion leaders and other Washington notables at the luncheon.

Castellani became President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America in August 2010. Before joining PhRMA, Castellani was President and CEO of Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. corporations. Castellani served at the Business Roundtable from May 2001 to July 2010. NIAF is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that works closely in Washington, D.C. with the Italian American Congressional Delegation and The White House as a national voice of the Italian American community that promotes stronger economic, social and cultural relations between Italy and the United States. Our cornerstone programs include scholarships for young people and grants to support educational and cultural activities at many colleges and universities.

Media Contacts: Elissa Ruffino, 202-939-3106, elissa@niaf.org or Natasha Borato, 202-939-3116, natasha@niaf.org.

NIAF is an independent, non-partisan, non-sectarian, not-for profit foundation dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Remarks made during NIAF Public Policy Programs represent the view of the speaker and are not endorsed by the Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation’s programs, visit www.niaf.org.