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IFES Elects New Members to Board of Directors

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Two Accomplished Business and Government Relations Leaders Added to Board

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) today announced that its board of directors has elected two new members, effective March 6, 2012. The additions bring the total number of board members to 27.

The new directors are Janet W. Lamkin, California state president of Bank of America, and Donald R. Sweitzer, chairman of GTECH Corporation.

"The election of the new directors will add to the exceptional talents and far-reaching experience that our directors already bring to IFES," said Bill Sweeney, IFES president and CEO. "Lamkin is a widely respected and deeply experienced business leader, while Sweitzer has an impressive political and public policy background. Together, they will provide our board and management team with new perspectives to enhance IFES’ activities and identify innovative strategies to support the ever-evolving democracy-building field."

"Lamkin is a respected strategic business leader and will bring to the IFES board financial, branding, operational, and management experience. She has a successful track record in the areas of business development, public policy, strategic planning and corporate social responsibility. 

"Sweitzer is a seasoned executive with extensive global business experience, a broad understanding of public affairs, and strong government relations skills. He served as co-chair of IFES’ annual dinner in 2010 and was instrumental in developing an effective fundraising strategy for the event," said Sweeney.

About Janet W. Lamkin

Janet W. Lamkin is California state president of Bank of America, where she leads a team of 13 local market presidents and other business executives throughout California to develop strategies for addressing business issues that are critical to California’s economic recovery and growth, including small business, homer retention, international trade and workforce development and to build partnerships with leading individuals and organizations outside the company.

She previously served as president and CEO of the California Bankers Association, staff assistant to U.S. Senator Pete Wilson, legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins and staff assistant to U.S. Congressman Norman D. Shumway.

Lamkin earned an M.A. in international relations from the Australian National University and a B.A. in political science and business administration from Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California.

About Donald R. Sweitzer

Donald R. Sweitzer is chairman of GTECH Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lottomatica S.p.A., a leading gaming and technology company operating in 45 countries. He was formerly the senior vice president of global business development and public affairs for GTECH where he oversaw worldwide business development, government relations and public relations.  He is a senior strategic adviser and independent consultant to the public affairs division of the law firm of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP in Washington, D.C.

He previously served as president of the public affairs company Dorset Resource & Strategy Group; managing partner of Politics, Inc., a Kamber Company; political director and finance director of the Democratic National Committee; associate at Black, Manafort, Stone & Kelly and Capitol Associates; special assistant to U.S. Senator Howard M. Metzenbaum; and national legislative director of the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, AFL-CIO, now affiliated with the International Association of Machinists.

Sweitzer was a frequent political commentator on CNN’s Crossfire and other nationally syndicated programs. He has lectured on politics and political campaigns at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Northwestern University, Kent State University, and American University.

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IFES is an independent, nonprofit leader in election assistance and democracy promotion. Since its founding in 1987, IFES has worked in 135 countries, from developing to mature democracies.