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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release October 10, 1997
                PRESIDENT CLINTON NAMES MARY MEL FRENCH AS 
            CHIEF OF PROTOCOL AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The President today announced his nomination of Mary Mel French as Chief of Protocol, U.S. Department of State.

Ms. French, of Arkansas, was appointed by the White House in 1993 to serve as the Assistant Chief of Protocol in charge of the Visits Division, U.S. Department of State. She later was promoted to Deputy Chief of Protocol and is currently serving as the Acting Chief of Protocol for the United States.

She began her career as a businesswoman and volunteer activist in the State of Arkansas. She served on several appointed volunteer boards. For many years, she has been a member of the Arkansas Arts Center and Fine Arts Club.

Ms. French earned an Associate of Arts degree at Stephens College in Missouri before completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.

In her capacity as Chief of Protocol, Ms. French will be responsible for advising the President and the Secretary of State in the fulfillment of the U.S. Government's obligations related to national and international protocol in the United States, or events in which the United States participates abroad.

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