Washington, DC May 21, 2008: The Middle East Institute is pleased to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Governors.

Richard A. Clarke is a best-selling author, faculty member at Harvard's Kennedy School and partner in the international security risk firm Good Harbor Consulting. Previously, Clarke
served the last three Presidents as a senior White House Advisor. Over 11 years of White House service, he held the titles of Special Assistant to the President for Global Affairs, National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism and Special Advisor to the President for Cyber Security. Prior to his White House years, Clarke served in the Pentagon, the Intelligence Community and State Department.

A. Elizabeth Jones is Executive Vice President of APCO Worldwide, Inc, where she advises clients on business diplomacy and strategies in international environments. During her diplomatic career, Jones served as Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Near East and Senior Advisor for Caspian Energy Diplomacy. She was US ambassador to Kazakhstan and also served in Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Germany and Pakistan.

Michael Petruzzello was instrumental in forming Qorvis Communications where he is Chief Executive Officer. He previously was Chief Executive Officer of Shandwick North America and as Executive Vice President of E. Bruce Harrison Company where he started and managed five regional offices, including in Belgium and Mexico. Petrozzello also was a political director for the US Chamber of Commerce and White House liaison for the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

“Each of the candidates brings with them a wealth of experience,” said MEI Chairman Wyche Fowler. “Their knowledge about the Middle East and their commitment to promoting better understanding of the region are valuable assets to the Middle East Institute.”

MEI also welcomes back two former board members, Phillip C. Wilcox, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, and Richard Murphy, veteran US diplomat and former Assistant Secretary of State for Near East and South Asia.

Ambassador Wendy J. Chamberlin is President of the Middle East Institute.

For more than 60 years, the Middle East Institute has been dedicated to increasing Americans’ knowledge and understanding of the region. MEI offers program activities, media outreach, language courses, scholars, a library and academic journal to help achieve its goals.

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For more information, contact MEI Communications Department at 202-785-5336.