Broadcasting Board of Governors Washington, DC 20237 Tel: (202) 619-2538 Fax: (202) 619-1241 E-mail: pubaff@ibb.gov

Washington, D.C., May 10, 2000 -- The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) has announced the appointment of Ambassador Josiah H. Beeman as its Chief of Staff.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors is a nine-member, presidentially-appointed body responsible for all U.S.-government overseas broadcasting, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, WORLDNET Television, and Radio and Television Marti.

As the Board's Chief of Staff, Beeman will be responsible for providing advice to the Chairman and members of the BBG on the development of broadcasting initiatives and policy issues.  He will also supervise the Board's staff and serve as the chief representative for the Board on all aspects of BBG's activities and policy issues.

Beeman recently served as United States ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.  Prior to that assignment, he was President of Beeman and Associates from 1983 to 1994. He has also served as Director of Political and Legislative Affairs for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; and Director of the Washington Office of the State of California.  He was also Director of the Washington Office of the United Presbyterian Church; Secretary for International Affairs of the United Presbyterian Church; and a member of the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco.

Ambassador Beeman attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco State University.  He is married and has one daughter.

Contact: Joe O'Connell
(202) 619-2538