WASHINGTON -- The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), an organization that represents minority professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, announced the formal appointment of Norman Jenkins, vice president, owner & franchise services, Marriott International, Inc., as its new national president and chief executive officer. Jenkins holds a B.B.A. in accounting from Howard University, an M.B.A. from George Washington University and is a certified public accountant.

Jenkins will maintain his role as the primary interface between Marriott and its multi-unit hotel owners and franchisees while working closely with NABA to expand the influence of minority professionals in the fields of finance and accounting.

"NABA is in the business of fostering leaders and has a long-standing commitment to partnering with organizations to bolster and develop the professional skills of its members," said Jenkins. "I've had the honor of being an active member of NABA for many years, so this is a tremendous opportunity."

Jenkins joined NABA as a student member in 1985 while attending Howard University and became a professional member two years later. He has since held several positions within the organization, including serving as local chapter president in Washington, D.C., national board member and national director.

"We are very excited to have Norm Jenkins lead our national organization," said Darryl R. Matthews, Sr., NABA's executive director and chief operating officer. "His appointment represents our 'Lifting As We Climb' motto and standard for success, as our mission is to develop and encourage the professional potential and growth of our members. Norm's theme of achieving excellence through leadership will definitely take NABA to new heights."

Jenkins began his professional career at McDonald's Corporation where he held management positions in finance and operations. In 1992, Jenkins joined Marriott's Corporate Internal Audit group, where he was a senior manager responsible for several company businesses, including Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites. In addition, Jenkins managed all corporate engagements and special investigations. Prior to his most recent appointment, Jenkins served as vice president, global operations and CFO of Marriott's Ramada International division.

NABA and Marriott have enjoyed a long partnership. In May 2004, Marriott donated $300,000 to support NABA's undergraduate scholarship fund, professional development and Accounting Careers Awareness Program, a youth residency initiative. At the same time, under a good faith agreement, NABA held its 2003 and 2004 Annual National Conventions at Marriott properties and has committed to holding its 2005 Annual National Convention and two other conferences at Marriott hotels.

Marriott International, the first hospitality company in the world to establish a formal supplier diversity program, today spends more than $150 million a year with more than 10,000 minority- and women-owned businesses.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. is a leading lodging company with nearly 2,800 lodging properties in the United States and 69 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites, Ramada International and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 128,000 employees. In fiscal year 2003, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $9 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at http://www.marriott.com.