West Elected To International Sister Cities Executive Position

Aug. 8, 2002

Paula West, executive director of the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission, was elected to a fourth term as secretary of the Sister Cities International board of directors at the national conference in Toledo, Ohio. As a part of the 24-member board that governs the national organization, West will serve on the executive committee for 2002-03. She was elected to the board in 1996.

"Paula has been a cornerstone of the SCI board for many years," said Glenn Gray, board president. "Her work as secretary provides a foundation for SCI by documenting the work of the board of directors. I have known Paula for more than a decade since we were both state coordinators for SCI. She worked hard then, and she continues to deliver a great service to the sister cities network."

West also has served as chief of protocol for the city of Phoenix since 1992. The Office of Protocol coordinates the visits of international delegates to the city of Phoenix who wish to interact with the mayor, City Council, city management or department staff.

Sister Cities International is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network creating and strengthening partnerships between U.S. and international communities. It represents more than 2,100 communities in 121 countries around the world, promoting global people-to-people relationships through educational, cultural and economic development exchanges.

Phoenix's nine sister cities are Calgary, Canada; Catania, Italy; Chengdu, China; Ennis, Ireland; Grenoble, France; Hermosillo, Mexico; Himeji, Japan; Prague, Czech Republic; and Taipei, Taiwan. For more information, call 602-534-3748 or visit www.phoenixsistercities.org on the Internet.

Media Contact:

Christiana Ferris

602-262-6169