CHATSWORTH, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 22, 2008 -- Preparing for accelerated growth fueled by increasing national demands for secure electronic transactions, the National Notary Association -- the leading authority on the American Notary office and the premier advocate for the nation's 4.8 million Notaries -- has named a new Chief Executive Officer. Larisa B. Gurnick, a veteran executive with extensive experience in high-level marketing and organizational management, has been selected to lead the NNA's efforts in capturing opportunities brought about by eNotarization and new requirements for identification verification and security in global transactions.

Source: National Notary Association
(click to enlarge) Larisa B. Gurnick ·  National Notary Association

As the only accredited resource for electronic identity credentials designed for use in eNotarizations, the NNA is poised to leverage its leadership role. Gurnick's appointment as CEO positions the NNA to fully maximize current and future opportunities brought about by emerging technologies. Her appointment was announced by Association President Milt Valera, who relinquished his CEO role to focus on his increasing governance and strategic planning responsibilities as President and Chairman of the NNA and the National Notary Group.

Gurnick becomes only the third person in the Association's 51-year history to become CEO, after founder Ray Rothman and Valera. She also becomes the first person from outside the Association to be named to the post. Gurnick brings more than two decades of experience in marketing, financial management, corporate leadership, and operational planning to the NNA. Most recently, she was the Executive Vice President of the California Bankers Association (CBA), where she established priorities for California's bankers and developed innovative solutions to a number of major challenges. Gurnick was also successful in engaging and growing membership in the CBA, despite a difficult economic climate for the nation's banking industry.

Previously, Gurnick served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Countrywide Bank, Thousand Oaks, California, where she was instrumental in developing branding initiatives; establishing marketing programs for its retail banking network and developing landmark deposit programs. Gurnick also served as Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning and Marketing at First Federal Bank of California in Los Angeles, and Vice President for Loan Accounting at Gibraltar Savings and Loan in Simi Valley, California.

"The NNA is growing dramatically, and we are seizing many new and exciting opportunities for even greater success," said Valera. "Larisa is a strong leader with a proven track record. We view her knowledge and ability as important assets that will capitalize on our leadership position in eNotarization and guide us into a period of accelerated growth. She has the experience, qualities, and network of colleagues to help us in meeting the challenges of the digital age and fuel our future expansion."

The announcement of the new Chief Executive Officer comes at a time when the NNA is increasing support for its membership and is stepping up efforts to promote the office of the Notary Public. As a combined result of rampant identity theft, the nationwide mortgage crisis and post-September 11th concerns, the critical role that Notaries play in helping guard the nation's security has been elevated dramatically. The NNA works to increase Notary professionalism through support, education, promoting best practices, and acting on emerging professional opportunities for both Notaries and the Association.

As businesses, government agencies and defense rapidly transition to all-electronic transactions, unprecedented security is being required to verify the credentials of individuals participating in electronic exchanges. To address the new requirements, the NNA has announced it is supplying the nation's Notaries with a next-generation Electronic Notary Seal (ENS™) developed in partnership with leading companies. The new seal enables electronic notarizations and identification verification bearing the highest level of security available.

The NNA has also established its high-demand Trusted Enrollment Agent(TM) Program, which empowers a specially-trained and authorized network of Notaries to formally establish the identity of individuals applying for electronic identity credentials ("digital certificates"). The Trusted Enrollment Agent(TM) Program will initially serve the U.S. aerospace and defense industries to secure electronic communications for "confidential," "secret" or "classified" projects, and is expected to expand into a number of industries including medical, financial, banking, international trade, insurance, automotive, energy and technology.

"These programs and initiatives will continue to grow along with the NNA, and solid leadership at all levels of the organization is vital to our continued success. Larisa will play a key role in providing that leadership," said Valera.

A certified public accountant, Gurnick is a business administration graduate from California State University, Northridge. She makes her home in Woodland Hills, California, with her husband Wayne and three sons.

About The National Notary Association

Established in 1957, the NNA is the leading authority on the American Notary office and is dedicated to educating, serving and advocating for the nation's 4.8 million Notaries. The NNA imparts comprehensive notarial knowledge and understanding, promotes a positive public perception of the Notary professional, and bolsters consumer protection by promoting best practices. The Association's high-demand professional programs, services, model legislation and groundbreaking eNotarization technology initiatives help Notaries advance their careers and serve the American public with the highest level of professionalism and ethics. To learn more, visit www.nationalnotary.org

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=802295

     MEDIA CONTACT
     Jim Wunderlich
     jwunderlich@nationalnotary.org
     (818) 739-4080