PHOENIX (July 31, 2006) – David A. Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer,
has been nominated by President Bush to the Helping to Enhance the Livelihood of People (HELP) Around the Globe Commission.

Williams this week attended his first meeting for the 21-member federal commission, which is studying U.S. foreign assistance programs and will recommend ways to make them more effective. The group is currently in its first stage, gathering a complete picture of all U.S. foreign assistance and development programs, which operate in 154 of the 192 countries worldwide. The final stage of the commission's work will be a report outlining recommendations to be considered by the President, Secretary of State, Congress and the American public.

Williams’ appointment is for the life of the commission, which is expected to complete its work in two years.

“I am honored by President Bush’s appointment and look forward to serving on the HELP Commission,” Williams said. “Throughout my professional career, I have seen time and time again the lasting, profound impact that effective assistance programs have on people’s lives. As a commission, we have the opportunity to study our government aid programs and advise how best to deliver assistance that creates long-term, positive benefits for needy people around the world.”

Williams joined the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the world’s largest wish-granting organization, in January 2005. Previously, he spent 10 years at Habitat for Humanity International, rising to executive vice president and chief operating officer, and was executive director of the Houston Food Bank for 11 years.

A native of Dallas, Pa., Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bloomsburg (Pa.) University and an M.B.A. from the University of Houston. He lives in Cave Creek, Ariz., with his wife, Martha. They have two children, Kate and Carson.

For more information about the HELP Commission, visit the Web site at helpcommission.gov.