TORONTO– Liberal Leader Bob Rae is pleased to announce the National Board of Directors’ choice of Alex Graham in the position of Chief Revenue Officer, the most senior Party official in charge of fundraising.

“I am very encouraged that a successful Canadian business leader like Alex Graham is ready to serve in this pivotal volunteer executive role,” said Mr. Rae. “Liberals are going to be placing a lot of responsibility – and trust – in the hands of this new Chief Revenue Officer, but I have every confidence that Mr. Graham is up to the challenge.”

Mr. Graham has 26 years of experience in investment banking, serving in senior positions with global firms based in Toronto, London and New York. Augmenting this remarkable business career, Mr. Graham is also involved in a number of major charities focused on the well-being of children, the promotion of Canadian history and support for the arts. He also worked on the staff of former Prime Minister John Turner.

Deputy Liberal Leader Ralph Goodale, who has been overseeing various Liberal fundraising activities on a temporary basis for the past several months, says he is delighted that a person of Alex Graham’s stature is willing to engage in this vital dimension of Liberal rebuilding.

“This past weekend Liberals gathered in Ottawa to make transformative changes to the Party’s structure, helping the Party become the most welcoming and modern political movement in the country,” said Mr. Goodale, “and launching important initiatives to upgrade and expand fundraising.”

“All things considered we had a very successful fundraising performance in 2011, our best year ever under the tight rules that have governed political financing for the past decade,” said Mr. Goodale.  “But going forward we need to pick up the pace dramatically.  Mr. Graham’s leadership and skill will be very helpful in this regard.”

“I know he also joins Bob and me in thanking all our volunteers nationwide, all the Party staffers and all the generous donors who have pitched in so well this past year to lay a solid foundation for future Liberal growth, ” concluded Mr. Goodale. “We all need to continue to work well together.”