Vicki Gordon, senior hotel executive at InterContinental Hotels Group has assumed the position of chairman of the board of the Southeast Chapter for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in Atlanta, Ga.

The mission of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF is to promote the survival, protection and development of all children worldwide through fundraising, advocacy and education. Key priority areas for the organization include girls` education, immunization against preventable diseases such as measles, tetanus and polio and the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Vicki Gordon`s invaluable leadership skills along with her commitment to our work to ensure health, education, equality and protection for every child, is a tremendous addition to the board of our Southeast Chapter and the organization as a whole, said Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. With more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, Vicki has the proven ability to rally people through corporate services, government relations and community affairs and will inspire others to work toward providing a better future for every child.

Gordon is currently senior vice president, corporate affairs, for the Americas division of InterContinental Hotels Group - the world`s most global hotel company. Gordon serves as a member of the board of P.A.L.S. (Pets Are Loving Support), RRA (Resources & Residential Alternatives), the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Co-chairman of the executive cabinet of the Women`s Legacy Council of the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.

Vicki Gordon and the InterContinental Hotels Group team have already made an amazing difference in the lives of children around the world, said Barron Segar, director, US Fund for UNICEF, Southeast Regional Chapter. Vicki`s leadership and passion for UNICEF`s life-saving work and efforts to raise awareness for the HIV/AIDS program has had tremendous impact both regionally and nationally.

In May 2004, Gordon visited Peru in support of UNICEF programs instituted to educate mothers and children regarding the life-saving benefits of proper nutrition. In Peru, more than 10 percent of infants suffer from low birth weight due to lack of proper nutrition.

Gordon and the Intercontinental Hotels Group have a history of supporting UNICEF HIV/AIDS programs.

Designs of Hope, a series of energetic galas benefiting UNICEF`s programs to provide care and support for orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS worldwide, are designed to showcase diversity and talent within a community while emphasizing style and fun. Debuting in Atlanta and raising more than $500,000 to date, Designs of Hope has grown to include events at the InterContinental Chicago in 2004, and the next Designs of Hope event is scheduled at the InterContinental in Houston in March of 2005. The brand-new InterContinental Buckhead in Atlanta, scheduled to open in November 2004, will host the event again in April of 2005. The three-city fundraising program is expected to raise more than $1 million for UNICEF programs in 2005.

Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children in 158 countries through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. For more information about UNICEF or to make a donation you can visit www.unicefusa.org.