For Immediate Release

	June 10, 2008 NBA PRESIDENT VANITA BANKS NAMED TO 2008 EBONY LIST OF MOST INFLUENTIAL BLACK AMERICANS For the 45th consecutive year, Ebony Magazine presented its Annual list of "The Most Influential Black Americans" in its May issue. NBA President Vanita Banks was named to the list of most influential organization leaders. Banks is the 65th President of the NBA, the ninth female, and only the second from corporate America. The criteria for this prestigious recognition includes serving as the chief executive officer of an organization that commands widespread influence beyond its field, and has ongoing programs and initiatives affecting the vital interests of African Americans. Banks is Counsel with Allstate Insurance Company, where she leads complex class action and insurance litigation. Founded in 1925, the National Bar Association is the oldest and largest national association of predominately African American lawyers, judges, legal scholars and law students in the world, and represents the interests of over 40,000 lawyers .