FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
March 21 , 2006

Gaithersburg, MD - Ryan Spiegel has been named the newest member of the Gaithersburg Education Committee. A prospective candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates (District 17), Spiegel was formally appointed to the Education Committee during the Gaithersburg Mayor and Council meeting on March 20, 2006.

"As a strong advocate for schools, particularly public schools, I have supported efforts to ensure that schools in the city and county are sufficiently funded and that educational programs are accountable to students and communities," said Spiegel. In his application to join the Education Committee, Spiegel wrote: "My interest in this Committee stems from my own experiences as a student in Maryland public schools and from my mother's vast experience as a public school teacher."

The Gaithersburg Education Committee, established in 1994, is responsible for staying informed on all educational matters relating to Gaithersburg students while fulfilling its mission to create and maintain a standard of excellence among Gaithersburg area schools. In addition, the Committee coordinates with the Mayor and City Council to create and implement progressive educational programs. The Committee makes recommendations to the Mayor and Council on the School Grant Program and also coordinates the GREAT (Gaithersburg Recognizing Education Achievement Today) program and GREAT Stretching Supplies Program. Spiegel's term on the Committee will run through March 2008.

Ryan Spiegel is an attorney at the international law firm of Winston & Strawn LLP. He is a graduate of both the University of Maryland and Stanford Law School, where he was an award-winning student leader in various service and political organizations. Spiegel dedicates substantial time to pro bono work. Currently, he is also the Chair of Montgomery County's Victim Services Advisory Board and the Democratic Vice Chair for Precinct 09-27 in the Kentlands/Lakelands neighborhoods of Gaithersburg. He has also served in several leadership positions for the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, including organizing the 2004 voter protection program and co-chairing the annual Spring Ball.

Spiegel's public service experience includes internships for Congressman Ben Cardin and federal Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, working on Governor Parris Glendening's Smart Growth initiative, and a stint at the U.S. State Department helping to prosecute war criminals in The Hague. He has also volunteered for several local, state, and federal campaigns and has served as the General Counsel of the Maryland Young Democrats and the District 17 Liaison for the Montgomery County Young Democrats. Additionally, Spiegel and his family are proud graduates of Maryland public schools.

For more information, please call Ryan Spiegel at 301-978-9812 (home) or 410-274-9144 (mobile) or email at ryan@ryanspiegel.com.