Meridian International Center Honors Ambassador Tom Korologos, Secretary Ann McLaughlin Korologos, and Gallup Chairman and CEO Jim Clifton

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Prominent diplomats, U.S. Government officials, and high-level corporate leaders turned out to honor Ambassador Tom Korologos, Secretary Ann McLaughlin Korologos, and Gallup's Jim Clifton at the Meridian Global Leadership Awards dinner on Friday, June 10, 2011.

Held at the elegant and modern House of Sweden, the sold-out event was followed by a rooftop reception featuring D.C. Jazz Festival artist, Marshall Keys. The Belgian, German, Japanese, and Ukrainian Ambassadors were among the notable guests, along with Undersecretary of State Patrick Kennedy, Presidential Appointee John Hope Bryant, and former Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez. Executives from major international corporations were also in attendance, including the CEOs of Harman International, Healthways, Host Hotels & Resorts, and Kellogg Company, as well as top officials from Liberty Mutual, American Airlines, DLA Piper, Boeing, and Target.

The Meridian Global Leadership Awards honor leading figures from the government and corporate world who share a commitment to promoting international understanding and encouraging individuals from all walks of life to be leaders in their own communities and around the world.  

Ambassador Tom Korologos and Secretary Ann McLaughlin Korologos have both devoted their lives to public service and were presented with the Meridian Award for International Understanding. Through a number of high-level positions within the government and private sector, they have been at the forefront of efforts to enhance the position of the United States as a leader in the international community.

Among his many accomplishments, Ambassador Korologos was U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Senior Counselor for the Office of Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad. He also served in the Nixon and Ford Administrations and was a close advisor to President's Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. He began his career as a public servant in the office of Senator Wallace F. Bennett of Utah. Ambassador Korologos is currently a strategic advisor at DLA Piper and co-founded the successful Washington consulting firm Timmons & Company.

Ann McLaughlin Korologos served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 1987-1989, following her time as a top official in the Department of Treasury and the Department of Interior. In the private sector, Secretary Korologos held the positions of President of McLaughlin and Company, consultant to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Senior Advisor to Benedetto, Gartland, & Company, Inc. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for several organizations, including AMR Corporation (and its subsidiary, American Airlines), Harman International, and Kellogg Company.

Jim Clifton received the Meridian Award for Innovative Leadership for his extensive accomplishments he has made during his 23 years as Chairman and CEO of Gallup. Mr. Clifton's unwavering commitment to providing insight on international opinion has resulted in more informed policy and diplomacy decisions by business and government leaders. He is credited with creating the Gallup World Poll, which is designed to help provide the world's six billion citizens a voice in virtually all global issues.

The honorees join a long line of distinguished leaders who have received Meridian Awards. Previous recipients include President Nicolas Sarkozy, Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, Ambassador Melanne Verveer, and Ambassador Nancy Brinker.

For more information on the Meridian Global Leadership Awards, please visit:

www.meridian.org/awards/

Click here to see photos from the event!

About Meridian: Meridian International Center's mission is to strengthen international understanding through the exchange of ideas, people, and culture. It serves as a center of innovation for engaging the public sector, private sector, and diplomatic community.

For more information, please visit: www.meridian.org

SOURCE Meridian International Center