"[Mel's] intimate knowledge of the housing industry, which has a strong corollary relationship with furniture, affords him a unique perspective on our industry and will be of immense value"
Patrick H. Norton, La-Z-Boy's chairman

La-Z-Boy Incorporated today announced the appointment of Mel Martinez, former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, to its board of directors. La-Z-Boy's board appointed Mr. Martinez in a special meeting on Wednesday.

Patrick H. Norton, La-Z-Boy's chairman, said, "We are very pleased that Mel Martinez, an outstanding individual and exceptional public servant, has agreed to accept appointment to our board. His global experience while at the Cabinet level will prove invaluable in helping La-Z-Boy successfully navigate within an increasingly global furniture industry. Also, his intimate knowledge of the housing industry, which has a strong corollary relationship with furniture, affords him a unique perspective on our industry and will be of immense value."

Martinez was called to Washington by President George W. Bush to serve in his cabinet as the nation's 12th Housing and Urban Development Secretary, where he was unanimously confirmed by the United State Senate and took his oath of office on January 24, 2001. After serving three years as the HUD secretary, he returned to Florida to seek the Republican nomination for the United States Senate.

Prior to serving in Washington, Martinez was elected to serve as Orange County Chairman -- the top administrative position of one of Florida's largest counties. Elected in 1998, he quickly earned a reputation as a bold leader, a tax-cutter, and a champion of law enforcement and education.

Martinez came to Florida from his native Cuba at age 15 as a part of a humanitarian program led by the Catholic Church that helped over 14,000 Cuban children escape Communist Cuba, and lived with foster families for four years until he and his family were reunited in Orlando.

Upon graduating from Law School, Mr. Martinez joined an Orlando law firm and became involved in various youth, business and civic organizations including serving as Chairman of the Orlando Housing Authority, Chairman of the Orlando Utilities Commission, Vice Chairman of Catholic Charities and many others.

Martinez and his wife of 33 years, Kitty, have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

"Mel has been an agent of positive change throughout his career and we enthusiastically look forward to the contributions he will make to our board and our corporation," Norton added.