FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, September 13, 2002

Peace Corps Chief Information Officer Honored

Gopal Khanna To Receive Award From Global Indian Organization

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 13, 2002-Peace Corps’ Chief Information Officer Gopal Khanna will receive the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin’s Leadership award at the Third Global Indian Entrepreneurs Conference on Saturday, September 14, 2002, in New York City. Khanna will be honored for his leadership in the Indian community.

Khanna was appointed by the Bush Administration as Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Peace Corps. The CIO is a senior policy-making position, responsible for strategizing and directing the information technology functions for the agency. Khanna serves as an advisor to the Peace Corps Director and other senior agency officials on information technology matters.

Prior to his appointment to the Peace Corps, Khanna was President and Chief Executive Officer of ITC, a Minneapolis based technology solutions firm that specializes in providing IT process improvement, building customized optimization tools, and implementing information systems projects for Fortune 1000 companies.

“This has been a tremendous year,” stated Khanna. “I am in a unique position to use my skills in a way that adds value to the Peace Corps, an organization devoted to promoting world peace and friendship. It is quite an honor to be recognized for these efforts by the GOPIO as their mission in the Indian community is one I admire and respect.”

The GOPIO is a non-profit, non-governmental organization looking after the interests and welfare of the global Indian communities. The GOPIO was formed in 1989 at the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin. For more information about GOPIO visit them on their website at www.gopio.net.

Since 1961, more than 165,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as agriculture, small business and community development, education, environmental conservation, healthcare and information technology. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.

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