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

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHERE: The United States Congress
The Rayburn House Office Building -The Gold Room
Washington, DC

John Podesta, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress and former co-chairman of President Obama’s transition team, will serve as the keynote speaker at a National Italian AmericanFoundation (NIAF) Frank J. Guarini Public Policy Forum on Tuesday, June 22, 2010.

During the luncheon, Podesta will discuss the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the reaction and response and the next steps. Afterwards there will be a question-and-answer period.

NIAF’s leadership including Hon. Frank J. Guarini, NIAF chairman emeritus, will be joined by Italian-American business executives, government officials, opinion leaders and other Washington notables at the luncheon. The luncheon is hosted by Representatives Pat Tiberi and Bill Pascrell, co-chairmen of the Italian American Congressional Delegation of the 111th United States Congress.

Under Podesta’s leadership, the Center for American Progress has become a notable leader in the development of and advocacy for progressive policy. Most recently on President Obama’s transition team, Podesta coordinated the priorities of the incoming administration’s agenda, oversaw the development of its policies and spearheaded its appointment of major cabinet secretaries and political appointees. Prior to founding the Center for American Progress in 2003, Podesta also served as White House Chief of Staff to President William J. Clinton.

NIAF in 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 theUnited 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, www.niaf.org.