For Immediate Release CAIB PR 04-03 Date: February 18, 2003 Contact: Laura Brown, 281-283-7565 or 281-467-8657 Contact: Lt. Col Woody Woodyard, 281-283-7520 or 713-301-2244 Board Opens Washington Office, Names Assistant for Government Relations Adm. Harold Gehman, chairman of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, today announced the opening of the Board's Washington, D.C., office and the appointment of Thomas L. Carter as Assistant for Government Relations. Carter will be the Board's independent representation in Washington and will maintain contact with both Congress and Executive Branch organizations. "Tom brings a wealth of government service to the CAIB, having held key staff positions in the White House, U.S. Senate and Department of Defense spanning nearly 23 years," said Gehman. Carter is an Air Force Reserve Flag Officer and is a career aviator with over 10,000 flying hours, mostly with a commercial air carrier. He is a resident of Charleston, South Carolina, and will work out of the Washington office for the duration of the board. The CAIB's Washington office can be reached at 703 416-3461 (voice) and 703 416-3282 (fax) effective Wednesday. Press Releases