Press Release - President Bush Nominates Earl N. Phillips To be Ambassador to Barbados

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate Earl N. Phillips to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Barbados. He will also serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of Dominica, to Grenada, to Saint Lucia, to St. Kitts and Nevis, and to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

"I am pleased to announce Phil Phillips as our next U.S. Ambassador to Barbados. Phil's leadership qualities are clear from his many civic and professional activities in North Carolina. I know he will do a fine job serving America in the Caribbean," said President Bush.

Mr. Phillips is the Chairman and CEO of Phillips Interests, Inc., in High Point, North Carolina. He has been a leader of the business community, serving as a member of the North Carolina Economic Development Board from 1984 to 1992 and as a Member of the National Advisory Council of the U.S. Small Business Administration from 1990 to 1992. Phillips was a member of the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority from 1991 to 1997 and was Chairman of North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry from 1999 to 2000. He is presently a Trustee for the High Point Regional Health System and the High Point Community Foundation and is a former Trustee of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, serving as Chairman from 1989 to 1991.

A North Carolina native, Mr. Phillips is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received an M. B. A. from Harvard University.