Bethesda, Md., Aug. 5 /CSRwire/ - The Marriott Foundation announced Therese Lyons today as the director of the Los Angeles office and leader of the "Bridges"¦ from School to Work" initiative that transitions youth ages 17-22 with developmental or physical disabilities into job opportunities with local employers.

"Ms. Lyons brings an extensive background to this position," said Tad Asbury, executive director, Marriott Foundation Bridges. "We are excited to have her as a part of our team and I'm certain the Bridges youth and our Los Angeles community and business partners will equally benefit from her knowledge and expertise."

Ms. Lyons joins the Marriott Foundation with an extensive background that includes Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of Public Liaison of the Office of Freedom Corps at The White House. She also served as Vice President for Finance and Administration at the Freedom House in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Lyons will manage a team of specialists who work with schools to help transition young adults with disabilities into competitive positions with employers in the greater Los Angeles area. Serving more than 200 youth annually, the Los Angeles Bridges team has helped place more than 1,800 youth in jobs with more than 600 local employers since 1992.

Ms. Lyons holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Champagne-Urbana and M.B.A. in Finance from New York University's Stern School of Business.

The Foundation was established in 1989 by the family of J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott to enhance employment opportunities for young people with disabilities. All of the Foundation's resources are directed to the operation and expansion of "Bridges...from school to work" program, which are funded in part by grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education. The Foundation operates in seven cities - Atlanta, Ga.; Los Angeles, San Francisco/Oakland, Calif.; Philadelphia, Penn.; Chicago, Ill.; Dallas, Texas, and Washington, D.C. (Montgomery County).

The Los Angeles office is located at 600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1540 Los Angeles, CA 90017. For more information call (213) 347-0042. Since 1990, The Foundation has placed more than 10,700 young people with more than 3,200 employers in the U.S. For more information, visit www.marriottfoundation.org.

Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.

The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.

There are approximately 325,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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