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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release June 21, 1995

President Clinton Nominates Mark Gearan to be Peace Corps Director

On the South Lawn today President Clinton nominated Mark Daniel Gearan, assistant to the President and director of communications and strategic planning, to be director the the Peace Corps.

A letter from Sen. Edward Kennedy applauding Gearan's nomination is attached.

Gearan's public service career includes senior posts in state government, on Capitol Hill and as a key presidential adviser in the White House. At the White House, Gearan served as deputy chief of staff before his present assignment as assistant to the President and director of communications and strategic planning. During the transition of President-elect Clinton, he served as deputy director in charge of Washington operations for Transition Director Warren Christopher. As Vice President Gore's campaign manager in the 1992 presidential election, he travelled and advised the Vice President on issues and strategy.

In state government, Gearan was the director of federal state relations for the commonwealth of Massachusetts for five years. In that post, he coordinated all legislative, administrative and regulatory matters before the federal government for the administration of Gov. Michael S. Dukakis. In the presidential effort of Gov. Dukakis, Gearan was the national headquarters press secretary.

For three years as executive director of the Democratic Governors' Association, Gearan instituted the National Policy Forum, expanded its membership and improved relations between the governors and the congressional leadership.

On Capitol Hill, Gearan worked for Iowa Congressman Berkley Bedell as his administrative assistant for three years. Prior to his work on Capitol Hill, he worked for a year as a reporter for the Fitchburg, Mass., Sentinel and Enterprise.

Born in Gardner, Mass., Gearan attended public schools and was graduated cum laude from Harvard College in 1978 with a degree in government. He later earned his law degree in the evening division from Georgetown University Law Center.

Gearan is married to Mary Herlihy Gearan, whom he met when they both worked for Congressman Robert F. Drinan's re-election campaign in 1978. They have a three-year-old daughter, Madeleine.

Statement of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy Praising the Nomination of Mark Gearan to be Director of the Peace Corps

June 20, 1995

Mark Gearan's an excellent choice for the Peace Corps. I've known him for many years and I admire his commitment to public service.

I've also worked closely with Mark on many different issues over the years and I know he has the background, experience, judgment and ability to be an outstanding director to lead the Peace Corps in the years ahead.

President Clinton obviously cares deeply about the future of the Peace Corps. I commend him for nominating Mark and I look forward to his prompt confirmation by the Senate.

The Peace Corps also has a special place in the hearts of the Kennedy family. I'm proud of Mark and I know that President Kennedy would be proud of him too.