Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide www.reggaeambassadors.org PRESS RELEASE for immediate release... Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide Announces Executive Changes, Additions To Board Of Directors =============================================== Salt Lake City, UT October 1, 1999 - Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide ("RAW") co-founders Papa Pilgrim (RAW #1) and Rastaman Nane' (RAW #2) are pleased to announce that, with the unanimous support of the Board Of Directors at the RAW99 Conference in San Jose, CA, Tom Pearson (RAW #33) has accepted the leadership position of RAW, taking over the day-to-day operations of the organization. Additionally, effective immediately and with full support of the RAW Board, Mary Kirk (RAW #1230) and Joanie Pearson (RAW #693) have been selected to serve on RAW's Board Of Directors as Conference & Events Coordinator and Treasurer, respectively. "Tom's becoming an Executive Director and taking over RAW runnings was the natural evolution of his commitment and dedication to RAW," stated Papa Pilgrim. "He stepped in to help when I was ill and has steadily, and thankfully, relieved me of many RAW duties since then. It's time the torch is passed, and I can think of no better person to run RAW than Tom 'Jah Son' Pearson; he is a true Ambassador, and I have every faith that Tom will take RAW forward." Tom will also continue his duties as On Line Communications Coordinator. "Although we are sorry to lose Deanna (RAW #163) as a Board member," said Tom, "we are pleased to have Mary Kirk step in as Conference & Events Coordinator. Deanna provided the 'blue print' for a successful RAW Conference, and Mary and the RAW99 team used it - and added to it - for RAW99. Many thanks to Deanna, and we wish her and her family all the best." Tom continued that, "I'm also pleased to welcome Joanie Pearson to the Board as Treasurer. Yes, Joanie is my sister, but there's no nepotism: she has over twenty years experience in data processing, and is currently working towards a degree in Accounting. I know how hard she works and how committed she is to RAW. Besides, she's the only one who volunteered for the position - and I always know where to find her!" All RAW Board members perform specific duties and responsibilities and receive no compensation. Selected for their "commitment to RAW, proven efforts to forward Reggae music and their professionalism," each Board member has pledged their time, energy and efforts to continue and forward RAW's goals of education, entertainment and networking. Mary Kirk and Joanie Pearson, whose biographies and Board Of Directors' duties are below, join Board members David Bauman (RAW #5), Committed Reggae Fan Coordinator; Nancy Lewis (RAW #72), PR & Media Coordinator; Allie Rigby (RAW #505), Record Label & DJ Coordinator; Susan "Zipp" Thompson (RAW #784), Off Line Communications Coordinator, and Diane Causey (RAW #1099), Performing Artists Coordinator. # # # # # Mary Kirk ========= Mary Kirk's interest in music began to expand when she was a college radio DJ at the University of Idaho. After receiving her BS in Journalism, she was a print media features writer, editor and photographer, and then News Director and News Broadcaster at a Pacific Northwest commercial radio station. Mary also hosted a weekly radio interview program. After moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1985, Mary's enduring passion for Reggae music began; she met Red Di (RAW #402) and became the group's manager, assisting their marketing and promotional efforts. One of the reasons behind Mary's decision to be an organizer for RAW99 Conference & Showcase was her strong commitment to help Reggae music become more commercially available to the public. Mary, a concerned spokesperson for the humane treatment of animals, is active with several San Francisco Bay Area animal rescue groups. She recently established Catwing, a side venture devoted to website design and Reggae promotion; when launched, www.catwing.com will also provide links to animal rights organizations. In addition to her continued work with Red Di, Mary has a full time position as a web designer and project coordinator. As Conference & Events Coordinator, Mary will: - establish a campaign (Off Line and On Line) to stimulate interest in, and secure hosts for, RAW Conferences and events; - evaluate proposals submitted to host Conferences and events; - provide confirmed Conference and event hosts with an "Event Kit" - a checklist to aid in the organization and coordination of Conferences and events, and - be available as a consultant to Conference and event hosts. Joanie Pearson ============== Joanie Pearson was first introduced to Reggae music by her brother, Tom "Jah Son" Pearson (RAW #33) in the 70's. In 1979, Joanie saw Bob Marley in concert - and has been a Committed Reggae Fan ever since. She joined RAW in 1996, and believes that her RAW membership has changed her life in many positive ways. With over 20 years experience in the accounting field, Joanie spent 12 years with the Public Service Company of New Mexico, where she gained experience in cost accounting, fixed assets, payroll and accounts payable. When this company down sized, Joanie took a year off to travel and, in 1994, went to work for a health care corporation. In addition to her accounting responsibilities, Joanie assisted the corporation's efforts to establish a non profit foundation. She currently holds a senior position in the accounts receivable department. Joanie attends the University of Phoenix (NM), and will receive a BA in accounting in 2001. As RAW Treasurer, Joanie will: - maintain records of incoming funds from new membership and renewal dues; - maintain records of special funds designated for sponsorships and other projects; - be responsible for reimbursement of authorized RAW expenditures, and - compile and submit a yearly financial report. # # # # # ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Entertainment Works / N L P R Telephone 410.594.9486 Fax 410.594.9487 www.entertainmentworks.com Nancy Lewis Anita Aubin ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ =============================================================================