National Press Club – JFK Legacy Conversation Introductions
BY
Frank F. Islam
Thank you for that kind introduction
It is my distinct pleasure and privilege this evening to introduce our presenters for this evening Kenneth Feinberg and Steven Rothstein. Before doing so, let me make a brief comment.
We are here tonight to discuss the legacy of John F. Kennedy. I am part of that legacy – an immigrant to the United States who grew up as a youth in India with John F. Kennedy as my hero and inspiration.
Today, that immigrant from India serves on the advisory board of the JFK Library and the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Imagine that. I am proof that the legacy of John F. Kennedy, whose great-grandparents came here from Ireland, lives on through the lives and the work of others.
Kenneth Feinberg and Steven Rothstein are also part of the Kennedy legacy.
Kenneth Feinberg is an attorney, specializing in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Feinberg was appointed Special Master of the U.S. government’s September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund, the Massachusetts One Fund Marathon bombing fund and many others. He served as the chairman of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation for many years and also served as the chairman of the John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission.
Steven Rothstein is the executive director of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Mr. Rothstein has spent his career managing non-profit and social service agencies. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides financial support, staffing, and creative resources for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and to further spread information about President Kennedy’s legacy.
In closing, in his inaugural address in 1961, President Kennedy famously said, “…ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
Kenneth and Steven have heard and responded to President Kennedy’s clarion call. They have dedicated much of their lives to doing things for this country and its citizens.
It is my honor to introduce them to you. With no further ado, let me call Kenneth Feinberg to the podium. Kenneth, the stage is yours.