Coro National Elects Former Congressman Vic Fazio Board Chairman; Alumnus Of Nationally Renowned Leadership Training Program Will Head Spring Fundraising Event in D.C.

News Editors/Government Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2001

Coro National announced today that former California Congressman Vic Fazio has been elected as chairman of its board of directors. He succeeds Ian Campbell of Los Angeles in guiding the organization that is dedicated to strengthening the democratic process by preparing individuals for effective and ethical leadership in public affairs.

"Coro gave me the hands-on training and confidence to lead, and I am honored to chair their board," said Fazio. "This is an opportunity for me to give back to this unique and noble organization that prepares future leaders for success in business, politics, labor, government and the non-profit sector."

Coro program participants learn about the real world in the real world by actively questioning, interacting with diverse constituents, finding resources and coming up with innovative solutions to the problems faced by their communities. The Coro Fellows Program is the most long-standing and well known of the Coro programs. In that program, which lasts nine-months, participants work in a series of assignments with a high-level official in a government agency, business, political campaign, labor union, media organization and non-profit group. Together, Fellows explore collaborative leadership, communication theories and the relationship between all the sectors of a community. The Coro Fellows Program is one of America's Top 10 Internships according to The Princeton Review.

"Vic was one of the most highly regarded members of the House on either side of the aisle, much admired for his judgment, intelligence and honesty, making him an ideal choice to chair our board because he represents what Coro is all about," said Thomas Hoeber, Coro National executive director. Among his first contributions will be the organizing of a May fundraising event in Washington, D.C. honoring Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Jerry Lewis, two of Coro's most distinguished graduates.

Vic Fazio is currently co-head of Clark & Weinstock's Washington office and advises clients across a range of public policy and government relations issues. Before joining the firm in early 1999, Fazio spent 20 years as a Member of Congress representing California's third congressional district. In that time he has served as a member of the Appropriations and Ethics committees and as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. From 1975 to 1978 Fazio served in the California Assembly. He was a member of the staff of the California Assembly Speaker from 1971 to 1975. Fazio previously served as a legislative consultant and was cofounder of California Journal. He completed his fulltime, nine-month Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs in Los Angeles in 1966.

About Coro National

Founded in 1942, Coro National is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational institute supported by foundations, corporations and individuals. Coro's mission is to strengthen communities and the democratic process by preparing individuals for effective and ethical leadership in the public affairs arena. Coro has prepared some 5000 recent college graduates, high school students and mid-career executives for leadership careers. Coro replaces the traditional classroom with real-world experience by sending its participants into the field to work side-by-side with leaders in both the public and private sector. Coro alumni include California State Treasurer Phil Angelides, Representative Anna Eshoo, John Kobara, CEO of Onlinelearning.net and Los Angeles City Council member Alex Padilla. Coro maintains centers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Kansas City. For more information please visit www.coro.org.