For Immediate Release

Office of the Press Secretary

February 16, 2007

Personnel Announcement



President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate two individuals and to appoint one individual to serve in his Administration.

The President intends to nominate Bijan R. Rafiekian, of California, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for an additional four-year term expiring January 20, 2011. Mr. Rafiekian is currently a Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Prior to this, he served as Director of the Office of Foreign Investment for the State of California. Earlier in his career, he served as the President of GLOBTEL. Mr. Rafiekian attended Tehran Industrial College and Brighton University.

The President intends to appoint J. Anthony Poleo, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Committee for Purchase from People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled (Department of Defense).

The President intends to nominate Eli Whitney Debevoise, II, of Maryland, to be United States Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a two-year term. Mr. Debevoise currently serves as a Senior Partner at Arnold & Porter LLP. Prior to this, he served as a Partner at Arnold & Porter LLP. Earlier in his career, he served as an Associate at Arnold & Porter LLP. Mr. Debevoise received his bachelor's degree from Yale University and his JD from Harvard Law School.

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