Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, DC — April 1, 2003) Nancy Chistolini, senior vice president of fashion and public relations for Hecht’s/Strawbridge’s, the largest division of May Department Stores, has been elected to the board of directors of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). The elections were held March 7 during the Foundation’s annual board meeting at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Board Room in New York City.

“We are delighted to have Nancy Chistolini serve on the NIAF board,” NIAF Chairman Frank J. Guarini said. “For the past decade she has been a strong supporter of NIAF and will be a great credit to our board,” Guarini added.

“I am honored to join an organization that has earned a reputation for highlighting the best of our heritage,” Chistolini said.

Chistolini began her retailing career in 1969 at Woodward & Lothrop before joining Hecht’s in 1982 as a vice president. In 1995, she was named senior vice president of the fashion, special events and public relations divisions. She serves on several boards and is an active volunteer in the Washington community. She is a member of the board of directors at St. Ann’s Infant & Maternity Home, Hyattsville, Md. and a vice president of Suited for Change. Suited for Change is a nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing and career education to low-income women in the Washington metropolitan area.

She has raised funds for 17 years for the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown University Medical Center and has been actively involved with the DC Race for Cure and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for the past 12 years.

In 2001, Chistolini was named one of the 100 most powerful women in Washington by Washingtonian Magazine.