MEMPHIS, Tenn., International Paper Company announced the election of Joan E. Spero, Ph.D., to its board of directors effective today.

"Joan's experience as a business and foundation executive, a corporate board member and in government service lends a unique perspective to our board of directors," said John Faraci, Chairman and CEO. "We are very pleased to welcome her today."

Ms. Spero served in the U.S. Department of State as Undersecretary for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs and as Ambassador to the United Nations for Economic and Social Affairs. She has held leadership positions in Corporate Strategy and Corporate Affairs over a span of 12 years at American Express, and from 1997 to 2008, she served as President of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Ms. Spero is currently a Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

Previously, Ms. Spero served on the board of directors of ING Groep N.V., Delta Air Lines Inc., and First Data Corporation. She is a member of IBM's board of directors, a Trustee of both the Council on Foreign Relations and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and a Trustee Emeritus of Columbia University and Amherst College. Ms. Spero earned a masters degree and a doctorate from Columbia University.