FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Gundersen (202) 225-8933
May 3, 2001

WASHINGTON – Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) today announced that Mark Gundersen will become the press secretary for the Committee on Ways and Means, effective May 1, 2001.

"I am happy to announce that Mark Gundersen will be the press secretary for the Ways and Means Committee. Mark has solid experience dealing with the media, brings a broad knowledge of the financial markets, and will serve the Committee Members and the Congress well," said Chairman Thomas.

A biography of Mr. Gundersen follows:

G. MARK GUNDERSEN

Prior to joining Chairman Thomas’ staff, Mr. Gundersen worked as Manager of Media Relations for The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. In this position, Mr. Gundersen served as a spokesman for the market, and specialized in strategic planning and media outreach.

Prior to joining Nasdaq, Mr. Gundersen worked for Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide for nearly two years as an Associate where he oversaw the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s United States Fire Administration account. During this time, Mr. Gundersen focused primarily on national media relations, public and private sector partnership development, website development and public service announcement development and placement.

Mr. Gundersen also served as an Account Supervisor at Momentum Marketing, a Washington, DC-based marketing and sales promotion firm. His duties included brand development, corporate communications and market-specific strategic planning.

Mr. Gundersen graduated from the George Washington University with a bachelor of science degree in Sports Management. He also earned a master of science degree in Management from the University of Kentucky.