The Kennan Institute announces that Ambassador Richard N. Haass, Director of the Office of Policy Planning at the U.S. State Department will be the guest speaker at the Institute's Annual Benefit Dinner on May 22, 2003.

With service spanning two decades, Ambassador Haass has extensive government experience in the foreign policy arena. From 1989 to 1993, he was special assistant to President George Bush and senior director for Near East and South Asian Affairs on the staff of the National Security Council. Prior to that, he served in various posts in the Departments of State and Defense, and was a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate. As the author and editor of nine books on American foreign policy and principal advisor to Secretary Powell on a broad array of foreign policy issues, Ambassador Haass is well positioned to offer thoughtful insight and analysis on issues of importance in American foreign policy.

This year's dinner will be hosted by Mr. James C. Langdon, Jr. with Mr. Len Blavatnik serving as Vice Chair. The Honorable George F. Kennan and His Excellency Yuri V. Ushakov will also serve as Honorary Chairs at the event. A light reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Pavilion Room of the Ronald Reagan Building, followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Individual tickets for the dinner event start at $750.00. Sponsorships start at $5,000.00. Please contact Joseph Dresen for information on purchasing tickets at 202 691-4245.