FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Danielle DeSimone
National Italian American Foundation
202-939-3122
ddesimone@niaf.org

(Washington, D.C. – September 14, 2017) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) congratulates John F. Calvelli, vice chair international of NIAF, on his appointment to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Mayoral Advisory Commission on City Art, Monuments and Markers of the City of New York.

The Mayoral Advisory Commission, comprised of 18 artists, historians and notable professionals, will work to “develop guidelines on how the City should address monuments seen as oppressive and inconsistent with the values of New York City,” the mayor’s office said. The Commission will evaluate the monuments within New York City and make recommendations on which monuments should be removed, or given a more historical context through plaques or other educational means.

NIAF’s goal, through our engagement in Italian American communities across the country, is to provide an environment of mutual respect and understanding for discussion of issues and diverse points of view. The mission of our Foundation is, first and foremost, to preserve Italian American culture and provide educational opportunities for both our community and the nation at large. We hope that Calvelli’s presence on Mayor de Blasio’s Mayoral Advisory Commission will serve as a strong voice for the Italian American people, and will preserve those monuments and statues which we hold most dear.

Calvelli is a successful professional and philanthropist. Originally from New Rochelle, N.Y., he earned degrees from Fordham University and Fordham Law School. He is currently the executive vice president of public affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a global conservation organization headquartered at the Bronx Zoo.

Previously, Calvelli has worked on Capitol Hill and with the Department of State, and served as associate counsel to the New York State Assembly. He founded and currently serves as chair of the executive committee of the International Conservation Partnership (ICP), and serves on the board of New York City and Company, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and the Belmont Business Improvement District. In 1999, Calvelli was honored with the title of Knighthood in the Order of Merit by the Republic of Italy for his work in promoting stronger United States-Italy relations. As a NIAF Board officer, he is crucial in the Foundation’s role as the nation’s premier Italian American nonprofit organization.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting the Italian American heritage and culture. To learn more about the Foundation and become a member, please visit www.niaf.org.