NEW YORK CITY.- Ralph Samuelson, Director of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), and Richard S. Lanier, President of the ACC and Director of the Trust for Mutual Understanding (TMU), today jointly announced the appointment of Jennifer P. Goodale as Executive Director of both New York-based foundations. Ms. Goodale, who will assume the new position on July 1, 2008, is currently Vice President, Contributions, of the Altria Group in New York, where she has been responsible for the development and execution of the company's global philanthropic programs.

While the TMU and ACC function independently, with separate boards, administrative staffs, and geographic purviews, their programmatic missions and grant-making procedures are very similar. The appointment of a single Executive Director is expected to bring mutual operational benefit and synergy between the two organizations.

Elizabeth J. McCormack, Chairman of the ACC and Founding Trustee of TMU, noted, "Richard, Ralph, and I have discussed for some time the possibility of having one person in charge of the administration of these two foundations. We could not be more pleased that Jennifer is willing to take on this very interesting and exciting assignment. Her organizational talents and vast knowledge of the philanthropic world will guarantee that the tradition of grant-making excellence at both organizations is upheld."

"This appointment is a great honor," said Ms. Goodale, "and I am thrilled to join these two important organizations. I look forward to working with Elizabeth, Richard, Ralph, the staffs, and both Boards of Trustees to ensure the continued growth and vitality of the ACC and TMU. The commitment these unique foundations make to supporting cultural and environmental exchange is critical in fostering international understanding."

Mr. Lanier, who has been affiliated with the ACC for the past 36 years, echoed Miss McCormack's enthusiasm for the appointment and said, "Jennifer has not only a deep understanding of international cultural and environmental issues, but also an exceptional set of management skills and a remarkable ability to relate extremely well to applicants, grantees, and colleagues alike. Having been privileged to be so closely involved with both ACC and TMU for so long, I am delighted that we are handing the reins to such a talented and accomplished professional."

Mr. Samuelson, whose career at the ACC spans 32 years, added, "Jennifer's extensive experience in cultural grant-making here and abroad, combined with her outstanding and well-deserved reputation as a highly respected spokesperson and advocate for the arts, makes her an exceptional new leader of the ACC's staff. We are fortunate that she will help us strengthen and expand a program that is still the only one of its kind concerned exclusively with supporting exchanges in the visual and performing arts between Asia and the United States."