The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation announced today the appointment of
Anita Contini - former Artistic Director of the World Financial Center Arts and Events Program and currently head of Global Sponsorships and Events Marketing for Merrill Lynch - as LMDC's Vice President and Director for the Memorial, Cultural and Civic Programs. Ms. Contini will work closely with families of September 11th victims and other stakeholders to develop, implement and then oversee the process for creating a memorial, including associated fundraising. Ms. Contini, who is a career-long advocate for art in the public realm, will also oversee LMDC's efforts to retain and attract cultural and civic institutions in Lower Manhattan.

Ms. Contini will resign from her current position as Merrill Lynch's First Vice President
for Global Sponsorships and Events Marketing, where she oversees the company's worldwide program for supporting the arts and cultural institutions. Merrill Lynch is headquartered in the World Financial Center. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch in 1999, Ms. Contini was the VP and Artistic Director of the World Financial Center Arts and Events Program from its inception in 1986. During her tenure, she organized more than 1,180 free exhibitions in public spaces and transformed the WFC into an internationally acclaimed cultural destination.

John C. Whitehead said, "Anita brings to our organization outstanding talent and unique
experience as she undertakes one the most important responsibilities for the LMDC. She is widely respected for her significant contributions to our city."

Anita Contini said, "I am honored to have been selected to this position. The work ahead presents an opportunity to balance many different viewpoints and create what will be an indelible testament to the spirit of so many. I also look forward to working with cultural institutions and civic organizations to help in the revitalization of Lower Manhattan."

David H. Komansky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Merrill Lynch & Co.,
said, "Anita Contini is a highly capable and creative professional with a great ability to pull people together. She's built world-class sponsorship programs at Merrill Lynch and elsewhere, and the downtown rebuilding effort will benefit from her leadership."

Prior to serving as Artistic Director of the World Financial Center Arts and Events
Program, Ms. Contini founded Creative Time, Inc. in 1973 and served as President and
Executive Director until 1986. Creative Time is an award winning not-for-profit arts
organization that commissions and presents projects by artists, architects, and performing artists
in a variety of noteworthy yet unused spaces. She serves on the boards of numerous cultural and civic organizations.

Ms. Contini graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She and her husband, Stephen Van Anden, live in Lower Manhattan. They have one son, Devin, who also lives and works in Lower Manhattan.

The LMDC will announce a draft Memorial Process in July, which will then be subject to
public comment and subsequent revision. The LMDC and Port Authority will also release up to six options for the World Trade Center site, adjacent areas and related  transportation in July.

About the LMDC
The LMDC is a joint State-City corporation formed by the Governor and Mayor to oversee the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan. The LMDC is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors -- eight appointed by the Governor, eight appointed by the Mayor -- and is chaired by John C. Whitehead. To assist in its mission, the Corporation has formed several Advisory Councils and a general Advisory Committee comprised of federal, state and city elected officials, business and civic leaders to represent the interests of various constituencies affected by the September 11th attacks. The Councils will provide input on such issues as transportation and infrastructure, business development and retention, residential concerns,
development, tourism and the arts, and the planning of an appropriate memorial.