DeChiara's state appointment.

Michael De Chiara Esq., a founding partner of the construction law firm Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, has been appointed to the US State Department's Overseas Building Operations (OBO) Industry Advisory panel.

Serving as a representative of the Association of Owners and Developers, De Chiara will provide perspective from the private sector of the construction industry.

Said De Chiara, "Our government is at a critical juncture in history to secure more global locations for our diplomatic and consular missions. The OBO provides much-needed insight into creating efficient facilities that are structurally sound and appropriately secure. Hopefully, my knowledge of the law and construction will prove useful in effecting positive future change." The OBO establishes worldwide priorities for the design, construction, acquisition, maintenance, use and sale of real properties, and sets guidelines for the use of sale proceeds.

Major General Charles E. Williams, Director/COO of the State Department --Overseas Buildings Operations, currently oversees the OBO's efforts in building U.S. embassies around the world. Along with other State Department bureaus, foreign affairs agencies, and Congress, the OBO Industry Advisory panel counsels the government in areas such as design, construction, environmental factors, seismic issues, emergency operations, security, planning, research & development, and banking & finance.

Michael De Chiara founded Zetlin & De Chiara LLP with Michael Zetlin in 1991.