Il nuovo direttore esecutivo della NIAF

JAMES DE SANTIS APPOINTED NIAF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

(WASHINGTON, DC – November 3, 2008) James R. De Santis, an executive with over 24 years experience leading nonprofits, has been named National Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) effective November 1, 2008. His appointment was confirmed at a NIAF Board of Directors meeting held during the Foundation’s annual convention weekend in Washington, D.C., on October 16, 2008.

“The Foundation’s Board of Directors unanimously and enthusiastically elected Jim to the position of executive director,” NIAF President Salvatore J. Zizza said. “I am confident that Jim and his senior management team will advance the mission of NIAF to the next level.”

“We are excited to have Jim serve as the fourth national executive director. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the management of non-profit organizations, “Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., NIAF executive vice president and chairman of the Foundation’s Special Ad-Hoc Search Committee, said. “His professional expertise coupled with the love of his Italian heritage suits him perfectly for this position.”

“It is truly a personal and professional privilege to be chosen as NIAF’s new executive director. I will approach this responsibility with deep respect for the tradition of the organization, a passion for its mission and commitment to continue its growth and impact. I am grateful to the board for selecting me,” De Santis said.

Prior to joining NIAF, De Santis served as executive director of the Florida Council on Economic Education in Tampa where he quadrupled student enrollment and doubled teacher training for 67 school districts. During his tenure at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, De Santis served as vice president of external affairs where he managed all aspects of the institutes’ relations including development, marketing, alumni relations, publications and government affairs. As president of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation at the Kennedy Space Center, De Santis managed a $30-million program for construction, operation and programming of a national memorial and a space education center. In addition, he has held executive positions at Earle Brown Advertising, the National Wildlife Federation, The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and the State University of New York at Buffalo.

A member of the State University of New York Council on University Advancement and Development Hall of Fame, De Santis was honored for creating a system-wide development program that achieved legislative approval. A graduate of Canisius College, he holds a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

De Santis succeeds John Salamone who served the Foundation for 25 years.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org .