Hugh Price to Leave Helm of National Urban League.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2002

Search Will Launch for Next Leader of the Nation's Oldest, Largest

Community-Based Movement Empowering African-Americans to Enter the

Economic and Social Mainstream

Hugh B. Price has informed

Price, who has served in the position since July 1994, said in a letter to the League's board (copy attached), "There is never a good time to leave the job of a lifetime. But after nearly nine rewarding and intense years, I think it is time for me to seek a new professional challenge and for the board to enlist fresh leadership for the 21st century."

Critelli, noting the stability and vitality of the 93-year-old League said, "We have benefited immensely from Hugh's leadership. Yet, in vibrant and venerable organizations like the League, transitions are to be expected and can help prepare the organization for even greater future success."

He added, "I will name a search committee soon to guide the process for selecting our next president.

"Hugh's legacy of strong leadership will help shape the League today and tomorrow," Critelli observed. "He has been a great champion of the Urban League's mission, and he has played a pivotal role in positioning the organization for a second century of leadership and service."

During his tenure, Price implemented numerous initiatives designed to strengthen the League's organizational capacity to better serve its constituents, and he created national grassroots programs to stimulate academic achievement among African-American youngsters.

Commenting on Price's service, Charles M. Collins, senior vice chairman of the board of trustees, and president, WDG Ventures, Inc., said, "Hugh's contributions to our movement have been substantial and far-reaching. He has been a visionary and dynamic leader for the Urban League, and he has been a great voice for civil rights and economic justice in our country."

The National Urban League is the oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African-Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Headquartered in New York City, the League operates programs through affiliates in 112 cities and the District of Columbia. The League's Institute for Opportunity and Equality conducts research and public policy analysis on issues related to the mission of the Urban League movement.