The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Don Powell today announced the appointment of Jennifer DJ Nordquist as Director of the agency's Office of Public Affairs, and Deputy Chief of Staff. Ms. Nordquist had been Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Communication and Outreach for the U.S. Department of Education.

"DJ brings an impressive public affairs background to the FDIC," said FDIC Chairman Don Powell. "Given the scope and impact of decisions made by the banking agencies, it is imperative that we communicate well and often with our stakeholders, especially with the industry and consumers. DJ will enhance the FDIC's ongoing efforts in this area and will play a vital role in the success of the agency going forward."

As Director of Public Affairs, Ms. Nordquist will direct programs to inform the media, bankers and the public about the FDIC and its activities. The office's duties include issuing press releases and responding to media inquiries; writing, editing and distributing information about the agency; producing educational newsletters and other publications; and overseeing the corporation's Web site. She will begin her duties on August 8.

Prior to joining the Department of Education in May 2003, Ms. Nordquist was Director of Communications for the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology in Washington, D.C. She has held other senior public affairs positions in Washington and overseas for Burson-Marsteller and in Washington for the Employment Policy Foundation and The Cato Institute. Ms. Nordquist also worked in the offices of U.S. Representative Bill Thomas of California and U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato of New York.

Ms. Nordquist is a graduate of Stanford University and has a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband Nels and their two children Annika and Lars.

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Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public confidence in the nation's banking system. The FDIC insures deposits at the nation's 8,930 banks and savings associations and it promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars – insured financial institutions fund its operations.

FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov, by subscription electronically (go to www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html) and may also be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center (877-275-3342 or (703) 562-2200).