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ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT WELCOMES WHITE HOUSE NOMINEE

WASHINGTON, D.C. Attorney General John Ashcroft today welcomed President George W. Bush's nomination of John W. Gillis to be Director of the Office for Victims of Crime, a Department bureau that administers grants, trains professionals and provides public education regarding victim rights.

"John Gillis' job is a crucial one," Ashcroft said. "How we respond to and assist victims of crime says much about our society, and I am confident John will approach his role with the utmost dignity and compassion. I look forward to working with him to ensure the Department is sensitive to the needs of crime victims."

Previously, Gillis served as Commissioner of the California Board of Prison Terms, acting as Chairman from 1991 to 1993. From 1962-1988 he worked various assignments at the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring with the rank of lieutenant.

Following the 1979 murder of his daughter Louarna, he helped found Justice for Homicide Victims and the Coalition of Victims Equal Rights. He is also the founder of Victims & Friends United and an active member of Memory of Victims Everywhere and Parents of Murdered Children.

Gillis spent four years as a member of the California State Bar Association's Crime Victims and Corrections Committee and four years on the American Legislative Exchange Council's Victim Committee. He also helped secure passage of California's Crime Victims Initiative.

He received undergraduate degrees from the University of Southern California and the University of California at Los Angeles. He is a member of the American Police Hall of Fame. In 1993, former Attorney General William Barr recognized Gillis with a Special Commendation Award for his service to victims.

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