Weber Shandwick Chairman Jack Leslie Appointed to U.S. Agency for International Development Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid

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May 13, 2011, 03:03 ET

NEW YORK, May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jack Leslie, chairman of Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading global public relations firms, has been named a member of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA).

The ACVFA was established by Presidential directive after World War II to serve as a link between the U.S. Government and private voluntary organizations (PVOs) active in humanitarian assistance and development work overseas. Nearly 30 private citizens serve as representatives of their institutions. The extensive knowledge of international development policy and practices among ACVFA members helps foster greater cooperation between the public and private sectors on U.S. foreign assistance programs. Under the leadership of Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah, ACVFA members will advise on issues such as strengthening USAID's efforts to promote democracy, good governance and economic growth over the next year.

"I am honored to be appointed to the ACVFA and look forward to working in partnership with my fellow members to further the program's important mission of strengthening global development policy and results," said Leslie.

Leslie is a veteran communications strategist, having advised corporations and governments on high-profile campaigns over the past two decades. In 2009, he was appointed by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate to serve as Chairman of the U.S. African Development Foundation. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, former Chairman of USA for UNHCR and a member of the Board of Advisors of the Duke Global Health Institute.

About Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations agency with offices in 74 countries around the world. The firm's success is built on its deep commitment to client service, our people, creativity, collaboration and harnessing the power of Advocates - engaging stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputation. Weber Shandwick provides strategy and execution across practices such as consumer marketing, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate and crisis management. Its specialized services include digital/social media, advocacy advertising, market research, and corporate responsibility. In 2010, Weber Shandwick was named Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report for the second year in a row; an 'Agency of the Decade' by Advertising Age, Large PR Agency of the Year by Bulldog Reporter, a Digital Firm of the Year by PR News, and Top Corporate Responsibility Advisory Firm by CR Magazine. The firm has also won numerous 'best place to work' awards around the world. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.