For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 1, 2002

Fact Sheet

President George W. Bush today announced that James Towey has been named Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives.

Jim Towey founded Aging With Dignity in 1996 after his experiences at Mother Teresa's homes for the dying inspired him to promote better care for people facing the end of life.  Towey, who is an attorney, was legal counsel for 12 years to Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and he lived for one year as a full-time volunteer in her home for people with AIDS in Washington, D.C.  Before meeting Mother Teresa, Towey worked in public service, leading the state of Florida's health and social services agency, the largest in the United States, and serving in the cabinet of Governor Lawton Chiles.  Earlier, he worked in Washington as legislative director and legal counsel for Senator Mark O. Hatfield.  Towey, his wife, Mary, and their four children live in the Washington, DC area.

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