PROFESSIONAL BUSINESSWOMEN OF CALIFORNIA APPOINTS NEW CEO

Executive Brings Extensive Public Service, Marketing Experience to
Support PBWC Membership

SAN FRANCISCO - February 14, 2007 – The Professional Business Women of California (PBWC), a San Francisco-based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the
professional and personal development of California women, today announced that Bay Area native Helen Mendel has been named chief executive officer.  In the newly created role, Mendel, an experienced marketing, management, and public relations consultant, will assist PBWC in creating programs for its thousands of California businesswomen to develop new strategies for growth.

“The addition of Helen to our team will enable us to create more opportunities for members to meet, exchange ideas, learn and grow in their chosen professions,” said Patricia Williams, PBWC board president. “Her outstanding talent and dedication to women’s causes will strengthen the capabilities of our organization in California and, over time, across the country.”

Mendel has more than 20 years of marketing and public relations experience working with various Bay Area corporations and non-profit organizations.  Prior to joining PBWC, she served as Director of Marketing for the Bay Area Sports Organizing Committee (BASOC) the group responsible for the 2012 San Francisco Olympic bid effort and was Chairman of the Board for the American Cancer Society (ACS) of California. In these roles, Mendel produced premier celebrity fund-raising events and innovative media campaigns, for which her marketing expertise has been highly recognized.  Throughout her career, Mendel has been the recipient of numerous awards, most notably the 2005 St. George Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society of California, the highest national volunteer award.

“Women have so much to contribute to society and to the economy when given the opportunity to achieve their potential," said Mendel.  “I’m looking forward to working with PBWC to help women connect with one another and work together to achieve synergy in the global marketplace.”

In addition to her new role with PBWC and long-standing work with the American Cancer Society, Mendel also serves as president of the All Pro Promotions Company, and is the Vice Chair of the Alameda County First Five Commission which oversees the Proposition 10 tobacco tax revenues.

About PBWC

The Professional Business Women of California is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the professional and personal development of California women by providing tools, resources, training and inspiration. PBWC is designed specifically to meet the leadership, skill and networking needs of professional businesswomen and entrepreneurs throughout their careers and across industries, and offers women ways to build their support community and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.