Press Release
Public Policy Expert Joins National Association of Webmasters
Public Policy Section for NAW Members Coming Soon
Sacramento, CA-November 26th, 1997: The National Association of Webmasters (NAW) announced today that it has named public affairs consultant Ephraim Cohen to the post of NAW Public Policy Representative, effective immediately. Cohen will set up and manage an online Public Policy Section for NAW members at the Association's Web site (http://www.joinwow.org). The section will contain background literature on current policy issues, public policy resources for Webmasters, and a calendar of events focusing on Web-related public policy. The goal of the new section is to educate NAW members on issues of importance to Webmasters and the Web community. Cohen will also be available to answer member questions about policy matters.
"Webmasters as creators and operators of Web sites are often blind-sided by public policy issues that affect the Internet," Cohen said. "Many Webmasters come to their jobs from technical or graphic arts backgrounds and have had little exposure to legal and regulatory matters. This effort will help Webmasters not only be aware of policy issues that affect them, but make informed decisions to proactively support policy positions that favor their companies' interests."
In making the announcement, Bill Cullifer, Executive Director of NAW, noted that the position has been part of NAW's charter since the beginning, but "Cohen is worth the wait. We wanted someone who is on the front lines every day, someone who can not only report the news, but interpret it for use by Webmasters. Ephraim brings intelligence and energy to this post and will make the Public Policy Section a critical checkpoint for Webmasters who don't have the time or the training to keep up with the issues themselves. The Association is all about helping Webmasters do their jobs better; Ephraim and the Public Policy Section constitute important progress in that direction."
Cohen, a public affairs consultant with Edelman Public Relations Worldwide in New York City has been working with AT&T for the last year on issues related to implementing the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Cohen previously worked on the Internet copyright debate with the Digital Future Coalition, on trade issues and agreements relating to product counterfeiting with the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition, and as assistant editor at Business Week Magazine's Executive Programs division. Cohen has appeared before the media, on industry panels, and with foreign government officials on a variety on issues relating to telecommunications, the Internet, computer technology, and intellectual property.
The National Association of Webmasters was founded in 1996 by professionals with proven track records in education, data-processing, Internet consulting, telecommunications and marketing. The purpose of the Association is to support and enhance the role of individuals and organizations who create, manage or market web sites. The Association is located at 9580 Oak Avenue Parkway, Suite 7-177, Folsom, CA, 95630. Contact them online at www.joinwow.org or by telephone at (916) 608-1597.