Hon. Ronald V. Dellums
Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS

Hon. Ronald V. Dellums, President of Healthcare International Management Company, retired from a distinguished congressional career spanning over three decades. Universally lauded as one of the most compelling and articulate speakers to serve in the House chamber, Dellums occupied many leadership positions in the House of Representatives. As the respected chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Dellums would take his struggle against militarism and war to the very heart of the national security establishment. During his chairmanship of the House District of Columbia Committee, he had the opportunity to advance legislation addressing some of the most pressing national problems: mental and community health delivery, pension fund solvency, and infant mortality among others. As chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, he led the effort to redefine national priorities through the budget process.

Dellums was the first African American elected from a white majority congressional district (71%) in Oakland, California. First elected to Congress in 1970, against the backdrop of the Indochina War, Dellums quickly became one of the leading voices for peace and disarmament. He became a recognized expert in both military and foreign policy, and perfected his craft as the acclaimed chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

Since his retirement from Congress, Dellums has focused primarily on global health issues, particularly the AIDS pandemic. The AIDS Marshall Plan, one of the most challenging initiatives undertaken by Ron Dellums, calls for a collaboration between the public and private sector, on a global scale. According to Dellums, AIDS is "the greatest threat to national security and world peace." Widely acknowledged as one of the country's most outspoken supporters for increasing AIDS awareness, Dellums is concluding his tenure as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. He also serves as a Member of the Board for AIDS Action. In addition, Dellums serves as Board Chairman of Constituency For Africa (CFA).

Books written by Mr. Dellums include DEFENSE SENSE: The Search for a Rational Military Policy (1983) and "LYING DOWN WITH THE LIONS": A Public Life from the Streets of Oakland to the Halls of Power.