MAY 13, 2009  (Washington, D.C.) — The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) congratulates Ivan K. Fong, ACC’s 2009 Board Chair and Chief Legal Officer & Secretary for Cardinal Health, Inc., on his confirmation as General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  Coinciding with this appointment, Mr. Fong resigned as ACC Chair and Member of the Board of Directors.  Dan Fitz, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Company Secretary of Misys plc, has assumed the role of ACC Board Chair, effective May 1.

“Ivan is an outstanding lawyer with strategic vision and strong management skills,” says ACC President Frederick J. Krebs. “ACC has benefited greatly from his leadership.  I am certain Ivan will bring his many skills to bear in his new role. We congratulate Ivan on his confirmation.”

Mr. Fitz was slated to become Board Chair in October for the 2010 term, but assumed the role upon Mr. Fong’s resignation and will now serve out the 2009 term.  Mr. Fitz, a member of this 23,000+ association since 1994 and a Board member since 2003, has lived and worked in the United Kingdom for 22 years, serving as General Counsel for two UK companies.  Mr. Fitz’s global perspective coincides directly with ACC’s mission to address the needs of in-house counsel around the world, and his broad experience and understanding of the international landscape will be an added benefit for ACC members.

“I am looking forward to sharing, collaborating and contributing new ideas as ACC’s Board Chair,” notes Mr. Fitz. “Most importantly, I am honored to be part of this truly global in-house counsel community.”

Background:
Mr. Fong has been a member of the ACC Central Ohio Chapter since 2005, and was previously a member of the Westchester/Southern Connecticut (WESFACCA) Chapter.  He has served as a member of the ACC Board of Directors since 2004.

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the only professional organization focused on the needs of in-house counsel.  ACC promotes the common interests of its members, provides resources to help save, time money and effort, contributes to their continuing education and provides a voice on issues of national importance. With 25,000 members in over 80 countries, employed by over 10,000 organizations, ACC's community connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in- house counsel®  

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