MMM Partner Named to Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR)

ATLANTA, GA and PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwire - March 13, 2009) - The Stanford Institute for Economic Policy and Research (SIEPR) at Stanford University has named John F. Sandy Smith to its Advisory Board. Smith is a Senior Partner in the Corporate and Securities groups at Morris Manning & Martin, LLP in Atlanta.

"We are delighted to have Sandy Smith join our Board. He brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to SIEPR. I know this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship for both of us," said John Shoven, Wallace R. Hawley Director of SIEPR and The Charles Schwab Professor of Economics.

Smith is a senior partner in the firm's corporate and securities groups, leading teams of specialists to help clients plan and achieve their business objectives. Mr. Smith has a diverse practice that includes serving as a legal and business advisor and managing, negotiating and completing corporate and financial transactions for both private and public businesses in various industries including healthcare, information systems, telecommunications, technology, manufacturing, distribution, retail, service, hospitality, restaurant, venture/investment and holding companies.

Founded in 1982, SIEPR is a nonpartisan economic policy research organization that unites remarkable economic talent. SIEPR scholars conduct studies on important economic policy issues in the United States and other countries. Past SIEPR directors have included some of the most respected economists in the field: Michael Boskin, former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Bush; James Sweeney, an energy and natural resources expert who has done critical work on automotive fuel economy regulation; John Taylor, currently serving as under secretary for international affairs in the Department of the Treasury; and Lawrence Lau, a leading expert on China.

This is not the first time the university has recognized Smith's achievements. In 2006 he received the Stanford Medal, one of the university's highest awards, which recognizes a distinguished legacy of leadership. He also served as a Stanford University trustee for several years. Smith is also the Founding Chair of the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) at Stanford University.

Smith has served on the Board of Trustees of the Paideia School, The National Kidney Foundation of Georgia, Columbia Seminary, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School and Prevent Blindness Georgia. He has also been a member of the President's Council of the Woodruff Arts Center, the Alumni Board of Governors of The Westminster Schools and has served on the MBA Advisory Board of the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College. Smith is a lecturer and an executive in residence at Dartmouth's Tuck School and the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He also is a member of the Leadership Atlanta class of 2000.

About Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP (www.mmmlaw.com) is a full-service commercial law firm representing clients throughout the United States. Our mission is to be the firm of choice for clients seeking the most creative, comprehensive and effective legal services available. Our legal solutions are delivered by industry-focused, diverse, involved lawyers who are dedicated to our clients' success, whether in a transaction, in court, or in the everyday course of business. We enjoy national prominence for our intellectual property, capital markets, environmental, green tech, healthcare, insurance, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and technology practices. The firm has offices in Atlanta, Raleigh-Durham, Savannah and Washington, D.C.

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