President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

• Elizabeth Malory Cousens - Representative of the United States on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador
• Paul W. Hodes – Member, National Council on the Arts

The President also announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

• May Y. Chen - Member, President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
• Tung Thanh Nguyen - Member, President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
• Apolo Anton Ohno - Member, President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
• Marta Araoz de la Torre - Member, Cultural Property Advisory Committee
• Jane A. Levine - Member, Cultural Property Advisory Committee
• Janet R. Kahn - Member, Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Elizabeth Malory Cousens, Nominee for Representative of the United States to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador
Elizabeth Malory Cousens is Principal Policy Advisor and Counselor to the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations. In 2009, she was Director of Strategy for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.  From 2007 to 2008, she served as Chief of Staff to the United Nations Mission in Nepal.  From 2005 to 2007, she was Vice President of the International Peace Institute, where she earlier held the position of Director of Research from 1998 to 2000 and was an associate from 1995 to 1998.  Ms. Cousens was Director of the Conflict Prevention and Peace Forum at the Social Science Research Council from 2002 to 2005.  She holds a B.A from the University of Puget Sound and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters in 2007.  Ms. Cousens received her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Oxford, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.

Paul W. Hodes, Nominee for Member, National Council on the Arts
Paul W. Hodes represented New Hampshire’s 2nd congressional district from 2007 until 2011. Throughout his life, Mr. Hodes has been both a performer and active member of the arts and entertainment communities.  He served on the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, as chairman of the Board of the Capitol Center for the Arts and Tricinum, Ltd. and as a board member of the Concord Community Music School. While practicing trial and entertainment law, he and his wife Peggo won two Parent's Choice awards with their band "Peggosus."  Mr. Hodes has also worked professionally as an actor, producer, director, and playwright. He graduated from Dartmouth College and Boston College Law School with additional training at the National Theater Institute and the Herbert Berghoff and Uta Hagen Studio.

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts:

May Y. Chen, Appointee for Member, President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
May Y. Chen is an adjunct professor at the City University of New York, where she has taught labor studies courses and coordinated labor exchanges with Asia for the Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies since 2009.  Previously, Ms. Chen was the International Union Vice President for Workers United, Service Employees International Union in 2009.  She served as the International Union Vice President of UNITE HERE from 1999 to 2009, and Local 23-25 Manager and New York Metropolitan Area Joint Board Secretary-Treasurer from 2004 to 2009.  In her time at UNITE HERE, Ms. Chen held a number of positions, including Assistant/Associate Manager from 1997 to 2004 and Assistant Director and Director of the Education Department from 1989 to 1997.  From 1970 to 1979, she was an adjunct professor and teacher at several schools and universities in California, including the University of California at Los Angeles and California State University at Long Beach.  Ms. Chen is a Founding Member of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and continues to serve on its New York Chapter Board.  She also serves as Board President of the New York State Immigrant Action Fund.  She holds an A.B. in East Asian Studies from Harvard/Radcliffe College and an M.A. in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles.
 
Dr. Tung Thanh Nguyen, Appointee for Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Dr. Tung Thanh Nguyen is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he provides medical care to a diverse patient population and teaches clinicians.  He also serves as Director of the Vietnamese Community Health Promotion Project and Principal Investigator of the Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training at UCSF, and in this role conducts research in health care prevention for Asian Americans.  He has worked on studies to increase breast, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer screening among Asian Americans as well as on tobacco use among Asian Americans.  Dr. Nguyen was the volunteer Chair of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Team of the American Cancer Society in California.  In 2002, he was awarded the American Cancer Society Control Career Development Award for his outstanding work in primary care and research.  Dr. Nguyen holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Harvard University and an M.D. from the Stanford School of Medicine.

Apolo Anton Ohno, Appointee for Member, President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Apolo Anton Ohno is an American short-track speed skating competitor, an eight-time medalist in the Winter Olympics, a 12-time National Champion, and America’s most decorated winter Olympian.  He was named the U.S. Speedskating's Athlete of the Year for 2003 and was a 2002, 2003, and 2006 finalist for the Sullivan Award, which recognizes the best amateur athlete in the U.S.  In addition, Mr. Ohno has been very involved in philanthropic activities, including participating in the Global AIDS Program (GAP) campaign to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa, The Salvation Army, the Ronald McDonald House, and Nikkei Concerns, an organization that provides assistance to Japanese elders.  In 2002, Mr. Ohno helped Senator Ted Kennedy launch the "Math Moves U Hippest Homework Happening" program, which gave students the opportunity to do math homework online with celebrities and athletes.  Mr. Ohno is also a global ambassador for the Special Olympics.

Marta Araoz de la Torre, Appointee for Member, Cultural Property Advisory Committee
Marta Araoz de la Torre is the former director of the Museum Studies Graduate Certificate Program at Florida International University in Miami.  In 2002, she retired from the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles where she worked on educational programs.  She is a co-author and editor of Heritage Values in Site Management and the editor of Assessing the Values of Cultural Heritage.  Ms. de la Torre has served on the Board of Studies of the Wall Paintings Conservation Course of the Courtauld Institute in London, and on the Hamilton Kerr Institute in Cambridge, UK.  She was also on the Executive Committee of the International Council of Museums and the Board of the American Association of Museums/International Council of Museums.  Ms. de la Torre previously served on the Cultural Property Advisory Committee from 2003 until 2008.  She has a M.A. in Arts Management from American University and a B.A. from George Washington University.

Jane A. Levine, Appointee for Member, Cultural Property Advisory Committee
Jane A. Levine is the Worldwide Director of Compliance for Sotheby’s, Inc.  As Sotheby's chief global compliance counsel, Ms. Levine is responsible for managing the company's compliance department and program including training and enforcement relating to art and cultural heritage laws, regulation and ethics, the auction process and many other areas related to the international art and auction market. Prior to joining Sotheby’s, Ms. Levine was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where she served as the Art Fraud Coordinator and was a Special Trial Attorney assigned to work with the FBI’s Art Crime Team.  Ms. Levine teaches a seminar on Art, Cultural Heritage and the Law at Columbia Law School. She received a B.A. from Brown University and her J.D. from New York University School of Law.

Dr. Janet R. Kahn, Appointee for Member, Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health
Dr. Janet R. Kahn is currently a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont’s College of Medicine, a position she has held since 2002.  Since 2000, Dr. Kahn has been a Faculty Preceptor in the Fellowship Program in Complementary, Alternative, and General Medicine at Harvard Medical School.  Dr. Kahn helped found the Integrated Health Policy Consortium in 2002, where she was on the Steering Committee until 2005, thereafter serving as Executive Director until 2011.  In addition, Dr. Kahn was the Director of Integrated Health Care of the Community Health Center of Burlington from 2008 to 2010, the Director of Research of the Massage Therapy Research Consortium from 2003 to 2008, and a Senior Research Scientist at the Wellesley College Center for Research on Women from 1997 to 2000.  Dr. Kahn’s research focuses on equitable and affordable health care delivery models, the importance of massage therapy for the treatment of chronic pain, and supporting the well-being of veterans.  Dr. Kahn has served on a number of boards, including the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health since 2009.  Dr. Kahn holds a B.A. from Antioch College, an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. from Brandeis University.

President Obama Announces Another Key Administration Post

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

• Robert L. Sumwalt -  Member, National Transportation Safety Board

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

Robert L. Sumwalt, Nominee for Member, National Transportation Safety Board
Robert Sumwalt has served as a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) since 2006.  He served as Vice Chairman of the NTSB from 2006 to 2008. Prior to his appointment to the NTSB, Mr. Sumwalt managed the aviation department for SCANA Corporation from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Sumwalt also flew as an airline pilot for US Airways for 24 years, where he accumulated over 14,000 flight hours. For his contributions in aviation safety, Mr. Sumwalt received the Flight Safety Foundation’s Laura Tabor Barbour Air Safety Award, the Air Line Pilots Association’s Air Safety Award, and he is an inductee into the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame. Mr. Sumwalt holds a B.S. from the University of South Carolina.

Presidential Proclamation--Leif Erikson Day, 2011

LEIF ERIKSON DAY, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The first Europeans known to set foot on North America took to the ocean more than a millennium ago, facing fierce waters and an uncertain course. Led by Leif Erikson -- son of Iceland and grandson of Norway -- these intrepid Scandinavians sailed fearlessly into the unknown, driven by the promise of adventure and dreams of new discoveries. When they landed in modern day Canada, they founded the settlement of Vinland and established a legacy of exploration and exchange that is fundamental to our courageous spirit.

Evoking the bravery and determination that characterized Erikson and his crew of pioneers, a group of Norwegians completed their own journey on October 9, 1825. Crammed into an undersized sloop named Restauration, these brave travelers sought new opportunities and embraced the same commitment to exploration that had driven their predecessors centuries earlier. On Leif Erikson Day, we commemorate these historic voyages and celebrate the many ways Nordic-American culture has enriched our Nation.

The triumphs of Erikson and those who followed inspire us to continue reaching for new horizons. Whether developing new technologies, pushing the boundaries of medicine, or driving ever further into the vastness of space, we do so confidently, knowing that icons like Leif Erikson were able to overcome incredible odds and drive the world forward. Today, let us celebrate his life and legacy with the bold pursuit of America's next great innovation.

To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2011, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American heritage.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

FACT SHEET: The President's Framework for Investing in Tunisia

“There's no straight line to progress, and hardship always accompanies a season of hope. But the United States of America was founded on the belief that people should govern themselves. And now we cannot hesitate to stand squarely on the side of those who are reaching for their rights, knowing that their success will bring about a world that is more peaceful, more stable, and more just.”

– President Obama, May 19, 2011

The United States strongly supports the Tunisian people as they continue to lay the foundation for a future of economic prosperity that strengthens civil society, empowers youth, and solidifies the foundation of democracy.  Almost a year after igniting the Arab Spring, Tunisia is charting a path toward reform.  Today, President Obama announced four new programs that will continue to support the Tunisian people:

• Peace Corps: Beginning in 2012, the Peace Corps will return to Tunisia with volunteer assignments focusing on English language training and youth skills development.  These programs will help prepare Tunisian students and professionals for future employment, build local capacity, and develop citizens at the grassroots level.  The return of the Peace Corps to Tunisia offers both countries the opportunity to resume a partnership with a long and productive history.
• The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC): Tunisia has been selected as eligible for the MCC Threshold Program. This partnership is recognition of Tunisia’s commitment and progress toward democracy and economic freedom. Tunisia’s inclusion in the MCC program will support the Tunisian government to work on policy reform that can lead to faster growth and generate employment, such as addressing constraints to economic growth, increasing private sector investment, and improving economic governance. 
• Loan Guarantees: Tunisia has declared its commitment to private sector-led growth and attracting international investment.  If authorized by Congress, the United States can provide loan guarantees at a budgetary cost of $30 million to support a significant portion of the budgetary gap, thereby enabling Tunisia to borrow from international capital markets and bring down the cost of financing Tunisia’s reform agenda.
• Enterprise Fund: Pending authorization from Congress, the United States will launch a Tunisia Enterprise Fund, providing seed money to support private sector growth.  At an initial budgetary cost of $20 million, this fund will leverage other investors and help Tunisians launch the small and medium enterprises that will be the engines of long term opportunity.

In addition to these initiatives, the Administration is working to finalize several other new programs, to be implemented in 2012:

• Trade and Investment: This month, the United States and Tunisia agreed to formally re-launch discussions under our bilateral Trade and Investment Framework (TIFA).  We have established joint U.S.-Tunisia working groups on bilateral trade and investment and regional economic integration that will report to an initial TIFA Council meeting, which will take place in the next few months.
• Open Government Partnership: Given the stated commitment of Tunisia to transparent, accountable, and participatory government, the U.S. will work with the Tunisian government and civil society to help Tunisia cross the threshold of eligibility for the Open Government Partnership and join the growing number of nations who are embracing openness as the new standard for governance.
• The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC): OPIC has committed $2 billion to supporting private sector investment in the Middle East and North Africa, including in Tunisia.  OPIC is working to invest in small businesses and the franchising of U.S. companies in Tunisia.  Additionally, OPIC is providing U.S. companies with incentives to invest in Tunisia’s renewable energy sector, notably wind and solar.

These new programs will build on the United States’ commitment of more than $55 million in non-security assistance in support of the Tunisian transition since January 2011:

• Democracy and Civil Society: The success of Tunisia’s transition depends on its ability to develop a healthy democracy.  In support of the Tunisian peoples’ aspirations for democracy, prosperity and long-term political stability, the United States is providing approximately $43.3 million to support rule of law, strengthen political participatory and inclusive processes, build the capacity of civil society, and promote freedom of expression.
• Transitional Justice: Through direct support to local organizations, the U.S. is supporting a Tunisian-led consultative process on transitional justice mechanisms to redress human rights violations under the former regime.
• Private Sector Development: Private sector development contributes to a healthy economy.  The United States is providing $3.8 million to support market relevant skills training, entrepreneurship, job placement, and access to start-up business resources in Tunisia.
• Humanitarian Assistance: The U.S. responded immediately to assist individuals seeking refuge in Tunisia as a result of the crisis in Libya by contributing over $3 million to the Tunisian Red Crescent, the World Food Program, and the World Health Organization to support health services, food aid, and distribution of relief commodities.  Additionally, a significant portion of our $46.5 million in region-wide funding to UNHCR and IOM was used in Tunisia to meet basic humanitarian needs and repatriate stranded third-country nationals.
• Education, Culture, and Media Capacity Building: The United States responded immediately to the requests of the Tunisian people for additional links, exchanges, technical advice, and English language training with U.S. universities and scholars.  Contributing over $5 million, we increased the Fulbright program in Tunisia, deployed English language specialists, established media training for over 50 Tunisian journalists, and established partnerships with a range of Tunisian universities.