Reagan Building's John P. Drew and Andrew Gelfuso Named to The Federal City Council Executive Board

Executive leadership from the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center will lend expertise on the FCC's work of building long-term economic, physical, educational, and social welfare systems for the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, The Federal City Council announced two new members to their Executive Committee, John P. Drew, President & CEO of Trade Center Management Associates, and Andrew Gelfuso, Vice President at Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA).  TCMA serves as the full-service property management company for the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

"The Federal City Council seeks to strengthen the economic vitality and livability of the entire Washington region.  The business acumen that John and Andrew bring to The Federal City Council will help our efforts enormously, offered Anthony Williams, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the FCC.  "They have excelled at managing the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and have made it a center of influence in the city and nation attracting world leaders where global issues like international trade, economic development and security are addressed. The ITC has also become a convening location for residents and tourists of all backgrounds and a place to participate in cultural and community activities – shining a light on the great diversity our region has to offer"

The FCC focuses the creativity, talents and resources of the Washington, D.C. area's business and professional community on major challenges and opportunities facing the District. As the pre-eminent business and civic organization focused exclusively on helping the District, the FCC seeks to work with and supports local leaders by finding alignment with interests of the federal government (both executive and legislative branches) and with concerns of civic and business leaders.

"Andrew and I are honored to be selected to work alongside the great talent that comprises the FCC's Officers and Executive Committee and share their beliefs that there is so much this world-class city has to offer.  We are excited to work together to set the stage for tomorrow for our entire community – a mission that aligns with what we strive to accomplish every day at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center," Drew added.

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About John P. Drew, President & CEO of Trade Center Management Associates, Vice President of The Drew Company, Director of the Dublin World Trade Center

As director of the Dublin World Trade Center, Mr. Drew represents the Trade Center as a member of the World Trade Centers Association, whose mission is to link people and businesses around the world that share a common vision for peace through international trade and prosperity. In managing the International Trade Center in Washington, DC, Mr. Drew is guiding a unique public/private partnership with the US Government to promote and facilitate trade in the United States.

In his role as CEO of TCMA, Mr. Drew is also responsible for overseeing the Washington, DC International Wine and Food Festival, the largest, annual indoor wine event in the Mid-Atlantic. Upon its completion in January 2015, Mr. Drew will manage the Centre Internationale de Conference in Algiers, Algeria, the largest conference center in North Africa.

In addition to his many roles, Mr. Drew manages several food service companies including, ITEM at the U.S. Supreme Court and Borlottie in Dublin, Ireland. He is also active in the business community, currently serving as the co-chair of the Corporate Committee for the Trust for the National Mall and on past boards for various organizations in cities which he does business. Mr. Drew is a member of the board of Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital.

About Andrew F. Gelfuso, Vice-President of Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA)

As Vice-President, Mr. Gelfuso leads the global mission of the Center while focusing on international business development, program promotion, business matchmaking, outreach, trade counseling, strategic partnerships, government and diplomatic relations.

Under Mr. Gelfuso's leadership, the Office for Trade Promotion is responsible for driving the Congressional mandate of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and for positioning the Center to be Washington's focal point for a wide array of international trade, cultural and educational programming. Mr. Gelfuso also steers efforts in marketing, media relations, corporate publications and resource development. Furthermore, Mr. Gelfuso also hosts his own interview series called "TradeTalk with Andrew Gelfuso" featuring topical discussions with leading diplomats and international thought leaders.

In addition to this role, Mr. Gelfuso is also the lead for the global investment initiatives for the Drew Company and is currently focused on property management projects in locations such as Dublin, Ireland and Algiers, Algeria.

Previously, Mr. Gelfuso was the Regional Manager for Asia at the U.S. Government's Advocacy Center with the U.S. Department of Commerce. In this role, Mr. Gelfuso worked with U.S. companies on major projects and public sector procurements in Asia to ensure transparency and fairness on tenders and to counter foreign government intervention. His countries of responsibility included: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia. The Advocacy Center is the lead agency in the U.S. Government for private sector advocacy under the terms of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) and Mr. Gelfuso worked in close collaboration with the Commerce Secretary's office, USTR, the State Department, the White House, and U.S. Embassy officials and other TPCC agencies during his tenure and contributed to $35 billion dollars in successful transactions. During this time Mr. Gelfuso passed the Commercial Foreign Service Exam and was offered a diplomatic assignment in Asia.