FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 16, 2025) — The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Allegrini as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Allegrini, who serves as NIAF’s President since May 3, 2021, will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Foundation in this expanded role.

This announcement follows the recent election of John F. Calvelli as NIAF’s new Chairman, who succeeded Robert E. Carlucci after completion of his four-year term as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“Robert Allegrini has demonstrated exceptional leadership as President of NIAF over the past four years, guiding the organization and fostering growth and innovation,” said newly appointed Chairman John F. Calvelli. “His elevation to CEO recognizes his outstanding contributions and positions NIAF for continued success as we work to strengthen the bonds between the United States and Italy while preserving our rich cultural heritage.”

Robert Allegrini has been named President and CEO of NIAF.

A public relations and hospitality executive, author, civic leader, and diplomat, Mr. Allegrini brings extensive experience in Italian American affairs to his role. Prior to joining NIAF, he served for more than a decade as Vice President of Communications-the Americas for Hilton, where he managed the public relations team serving all Hilton full-service and luxury, corporately managed properties throughout the Western Hemisphere. He simultaneously oversaw brand public relations for Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts worldwide.

In 2016, Mr. Allegrini was recognized as one of 25 extraordinary minds in hospitality marketing by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. His distinguished career also includes positions as Assistant Vice President of Public Relations for Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Director of Corporate Communications for Swissotel properties worldwide, with extensive experience across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

“I am deeply honored by this appointment and the trust placed in me by the NIAF Board,” said Mr. Allegrini. “Having served as President for the past four years, I look forward to continuing our important work in this expanded capacity, strengthening NIAF’s mission to promote and preserve Italian American heritage while fostering stronger transatlantic relations between our two great nations.”

Mr. Allegrini has been a dedicated advocate for Italian American affairs throughout his career. From 1987 to 1990, he served as Executive Director of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. He later founded the Chicago chapter of the Accademia Italiana della Cucina and served as President of the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. Currently, he serves as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of San Marino in a five-state jurisdiction and was named Co-Chairman of the Milan-Chicago Sister Cities in February 2021.

In 2024, Mr. Allegrini was named a Paganini Ambassador, with this prestigious recognition conferred during a concert in Rome at the splendid Palazzo Ruspoli.

Before being named NIAF’s President, Mr. Allegrini served as a Board Member from 2007 and as Executive Vice President from 2017 to 2021. Under his leadership as President, NIAF has experienced a renaissance, transforming into a more transatlantic-focused organization.

Mr. Allegrini’s contributions to the Italian American community have earned him significant recognition from the Republic of Italy, which conferred upon him the title of Commendatore (Knight Commander) in the Order of Merit on the personal initiative of former Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi in 2002. Recently, he was promoted in the Order of Merit, to the second highest of its five grades, Grande Ufficiale. This prestigious honor was bestowed in recognition of his more than 30 years of service to the Italian American community.

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CONTACT:
NIAF:
Gabriella Mileti
Director of Special Programs and PR
202-939-3116
gmileti@niaf.org

Barabino and Partners USA:
Marco Lastrico
Partner – CEO
212-308-8710
m.lastrico@barabinousa.com

About NIAF

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.