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1994.02.17 : Appointment of Executive Director of White House Conference on Aging

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              Contact: Moya Benoit Thompson
Thursday, Feb. 17, 1994                     (202) 401-4541

     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala has announced the appointment
of Robert B. Blancato, 42, of Arlington, Va., as the executive
director of the White House Conference on Aging.  

     The White House Conference on Aging is authorized by the Older
Americans Act Amendments of 1992 to take place in May of 1995.  Its
purpose is to serve as a focal point for the development of
national policy for aging issues.

     From 1977 to 1988, Blancato was the staff director of the
House Select Committee on Aging's Subcommittee on Human Services. 
He remained a senior advisor to that subcommittee until its
expiration in May 1993.  Most recently, Blancato served as director
of Institutes and Public Policy for the National Italian American
Foundation.  He was also the president of the National Meals on
Wheels Foundation.

     "Bob Blancato is a leading expert in aging policy whose
recognition in that field has been extensive," Secretary Shalala
said in announcing the appointment.  "He brings much expertise as
well as an impressive background in the development of policies and
programs for older Americans and their families."

     Blancato has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the
New School for Social Research's Gerontological Services
Administration and the Post Master Certificate Program in Aging at
Hunter College in New York City.  In 1982, he traveled to Vienna as 
a member of the U.S. Delegation to the World Assembly on Aging, and
he also served as an alternate to the 1981 White House Conference 
on Aging.

     Assistant Secretary for Aging Fernando M. Torres-Gil said,
"Bob's tremendous knowledge and experience in the field of aging
including many volunteer positions on the national, state and local
level will bring much focus to the White House Conference on Aging.
I expect his leadership to provide direction for aging policy in
our nation for the 21st century and to pave the way for future
generations of older Americans." 

     Blancato holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University
and an M.P.A. from American University.