News Released: May 14, 2006

Dual Executive Assistants Appointed by Phi Beta Sigma President

The Honorable Paul L. Griffin, Jr., 32nd International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. has appointed two talented Brothers to serve in the office of Executive Assistant to the President. The two newly appointed Brothers will report directly to the President. Brother Steve E. Ballard of Chicago, Illinois will serve as Executive Assistant to the President – External Affairs, and Brother Micheal Cristal of Memphis, Tennessee will serve as Executive Assistant to the President – Internal Affairs. Brother Chris Rey who served in the position of Executive Assistant to the President was appointed by President Griffin upon his election in Los Angeles 2005, resigned and has since been elected as the Southeastern Regional Director in March 2006.

Brother Ballard brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked closely with four past presidents as a member of the international communications team. He has held several positions in the Fraternity since his initiation in April 1982, including the very important role as Editor-in-Chief of The Crescent, 1991 – 1997, publishing top rated magazines for the Fraternity. He also held the position of Vice Director of the Great Lakes Region. He has been instrumental in assisting with the planning and coordination of several Conclaves, including Las Vegas, Raleigh, Orlando, Memphis and Los Angeles. In the external affairs capacity, Ballard will assist the President with the following: all public events, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, NPHC affiliates, other external organizations, corporate partners, conclave planning, chapter requests, marketing and internal communications. Professionally, Ballard is Director of Design/Account Executive with United Letter Service, Inc., formally Mall Graphics, Inc. He has one son, Steven, age 17.

Brother Micheal Cristal is the Immediate Past Regional Director of the Southwestern Region. During his tenure as regional director, the financial membership of the region grew from the 6th largest region in 2002 to the 3rd largest region in 2006, while solidifying the financial base of the region through 100% active status of the chapters in the region. For these accomplishments, the Southwestern Region was recognized within the area of membership growth during Conclave Los Angeles as the Most Improved Region. Prior to serving as Regional Director, Cristal served on the General Board as Director of Social Action. In his internal affairs capacity, Cristal will assist the President in the following: International Program Directors, Regional Directors, Sigma Beta Club, legal issues, internal meetings, brother/chapter issues, Conclave planning, and internal communications. Micheal currently serves as the Drug/GM Merchandiser for the Delta Division of the Kroger Company. He is married with three children. 

Please join the President in welcoming Brothers Ballard and Cristal to the President’s team and thank Brother Chris Rey for his dedicated service to the President.