Wednesday, August 7, 2002

National seniors group names president/CEO

Barbara B. Kennelly, who represented Connecticut's 1st Congressional District for eight terms and served as counselor to the commissioner of Social Security, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

"Barbara Kennelly brings three critical qualities to the National Committee and its millions of members and supporters nationwide-her policy experience, insight and vision," said William H. Park, chairman of the board of directors. "She is deeply respected on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill, and with her comprehensive understanding of the issues, will be an articulate, passionate, and tireless advocate for all Americans concerned with health and income retirement issues."

Throughout her career, Kennelly has sought to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. Only the third woman in history to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee, she was the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Social Security. Following her tenure on Capitol Hill, she was appointed Associate Commissioner and Counselor at the Social Security Administration, and most recently was Counselor and Senior Advisor on Federal Affairs with the national law firm of Baker and Hostetler LLP.

"It is a tremendous honor to assume leadership of this outstanding advocacy organization," Kennelly said. "Every American has a stake in the current debate about protecting Social Security and reforming Medicare by providing prescription drug coverage. The National Committee will continue to be the strongest possible advocate for the interests of all Americans. We have much important work to do."

As a member of Congress, Kennelly's accomplishments included the passage of bills reducing the vesting period for pension plans, making millions of additional workers eligible for pensions; allowing the terminally ill to collect life insurance benefits early and tax-free; and permitting tax deductions for individuals and businesses who purchase long-term care insurance. At the Social Security Administration, she served as Associate Commissioner and Senior Counselor to former SSA Commissioner Ken Apfel and oversaw the Social Security Administration's Office of Retirement Policy.

With millions of members and supporters across America, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare is devoted to the retirement security of all citizens-from the 20-something generation and baby boomers to the nation's 34 million seniors. For more information, visit www.ncpssm.org; write NCPSSM, 10 G Street, N.E., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20002; or call 800-966-1935.

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