NEW YORK (April 11, 2025) – The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce the election of John F. Calvelli as its new Chairman, effective immediately.

Mr. Calvelli succeeds Robert E. Carlucci who has completed his four-year term as Chairman of the Board of Directors and now assumes the role as Chairman Emeritus.

Mr. Calvelli, who currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), brings extensive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors to his new role at NIAF. He has been an active member of the NIAF Board, most recently serving as the Foundation’s Executive Vice Chairman, and has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission to preserve the Italian heritage and culture.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of Chairman of the National Italian American Foundation,” said Mr. Calvelli. “As an Italian American, I look forward to building upon NIAF’s legacy of promoting and preserving our rich cultural heritage while strengthening the bonds between the United States and Italy.”

John F. Calvelli is the new Chairman of the National Italian American Foundation

Mr. Calvelli’s connection to the Italian American community began in his early days attending meetings of the San Fili Fraternity Club with his parents, John and Rose, both immigrants from the Southern Italian region of Calabria. He served as President of the Italian National Honor Society at Fordham University and upon graduation was a founder and first President of FIERI, a national organization of students and young professionals dedicated to promoting Italian American culture and heritage. His work with FIERI led him to begin his long involvement with the National Italian American Foundation, commencing with his work on a seminal conference focusing on the Italian American high school dropout rate in New York City.

In his professional career, Mr. Calvelli served as the Chief of Staff and Counsel in the Washington office of Congressman Eliot Engel (D-Bronx/Westchester), where he oversaw all legislative initiatives during the Congressman’s tenure on multiple House committees. He was instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation highlighting the Italian American experience, including the first nationally recognized Italian American Heritage Month and the passage of the Wartime Violation of Italian American Civil Liberties Act.

Following the 2009 earthquake in Abruzzo, Italy, he spearheaded a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of State to provide aid to the University of L’Aquila. He served in a similar capacity for the victims of the 2016 earthquake that devastated Central Italy. Mr. Calvelli also served as a Commissioner on the Mayoral Advisory Commission on City Art, Monuments, and Markers, which advised the Mayor of New York City on issues relating to public art and monuments, including the Columbus statue.

Currently, Mr. Calvelli chairs the International Conservation Partnership (ICP), the FIERI Scholarship Fund, serves as Vice Chair of New York City Tourism and Conventions, and sits on the board of the Public Affairs Council and the Italian American Forum. He is the Past Chair of the New York City Cultural Institutions Group, New Yorkers for Culture and Arts, and the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Government Affairs Committee.

In recognition of his contributions to U.S.-Italy relations, the Italian Republic bestowed upon Mr. Calvelli the honorific title of Commendatore in the Order of Merit.

NIAF looks forward to this new chapter under Mr. Calvelli’s leadership.  His deep connection to his Italian heritage, extensive experience in public policy, and long history with our organization position him perfectly to guide NIAF into the future as we continue to strengthen the Italian American community and promote the enduring relationship between the United States and Italy.

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 CONTACT:
NIAF:
Gabriella Mileti
Director of Special Programs and PR
202-939-3116
gmileti@niaf.org

Barabino and Partners USA:
Marco Lastrico
Partner – CEO
212-308-8710
m.lastrico@barabinousa.com

About NIAF

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.