These three heroes exemplify the thousands of Disney cast members who did everything from donating money to giving blood to helping with the national telethon to countless other efforts. The people who work for your company made a difference.
And, to the three of you, I want to extend the thanks of a grateful company and a grateful country. And I want to recognize as well, two cast members who lost their lives on that day: Donald DeFranco of ABC and Marianne MacFarlane of The Disney Stores.
Now, it is time to introduce a number of other very special people -- the members of The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors. The Disney board is a dedicated and diverse group of leaders, who are determined to care for a company that is so much more than just a company ... and to craft its future in a way that honors its extraordinary past.
First, there's vice chairman Roy Disney. Roy has guided the renaissance of Disney animation since 1985 and has been the ultimate guardian of the legacy and tradition of this company that bears his family name.
Next, our company's president and chief operating officer, from whom you will be hearing more shortly, Bob Iger. Bob joined Disney in 1996 when we acquired Capital Cities/ABC, where he was serving as president and chief operating officer.
Reveta Bowers heads the Center for Early Education in Los Angeles, an independent school for kindergarten through sixth grade, which has received national prominence as a model for its innovative curriculum. Reveta helps us focus on the tremendous opportunities for Disney in the ever-growing educational market.
John Bryson is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Edison International. John brings multi-faceted abilities as a lawyer, as an expert on environmental and energy issues, and as the top executive of one of the nation's major corporations.
Judy Estrin is the former Chief Technology Officer of Cisco Systems and currently is Chief Executive Officer of Packet Design, Inc., the most recent of several pioneering companies she has founded in the field of high technology. As we will be discussing, technology is a key to Disney's success, and Judy is an invaluable guide, shedding light on our future.
Stanley Gold is President and Chief Executive Officer of Shamrock Holdings. Stanley is one of America's dynamic business leaders. He manages an international portfolio of more than $2 billion, helping to give him a global scope combined with a strong bottom-line sensibility.
Monica Lozano is president and chief operating officer of La Opinion, the largest Spanish-language daily newspaper in the United States. Monica's deep understanding of the media and of the Hispanic audience here in the United States and throughout this hemisphere is of tremendous value to the board.
George Mitchell served in the United States Senate for fifteen years, retiring as Majority Leader in 1995. Since then, his stature as a statesman has only grown, most notably in his efforts to help bring peace to Northern Ireland and the Middle East. George's experience and understanding are tremendous assets for the company as we strive to work effectively with governments around the world. And, it should be noted, he is now a part owner of the Boston Red Sox.
Tom Murphy built Capital Cities/ABC from a single UHF TV station in 1954 into one of the top communications companies in the world. Tom is a visionary in the world of communications, who is helping keep us ahead of the curve in the brave new world of electronically-transmitted entertainment.
Father Leo O'Donovan is former president of Georgetown University, where he continues as Professor of Theology. Father O'Donovan combines an expertise in higher education with a strong sense of moral leadership, thereby helping to make sure that we always pursue the highest standards possible.
Sidney Poitier is one of America's most beloved actors and directors. From his years as an Oscar-winning performer to his work on behalf of children and civil rights, Sidney brings great depth and wisdom to the Board.
Bob Stern is the founder and Senior Partner of Robert A.M. Stern Architects and dean of the school of architecture of Yale University. He has been instrumental in our company's creation of extraordinary entertainment spaces ... and, you should be aware, he is currently overseeing the design for the new Education & Visitors Center at The Mark Twain House here in Hartford.
Andrea Van de Kamp is chairman of Sotheby's West Coast, overseeing business development for the world's leading auction house. She is also chairman of board of the Los Angeles Music Center. Andrea merges the best of the art world with the business world, making her a particularly valuable member of this company.
Ray Watson is vice chairman of The Irvine Company, which is developing America's largest master-planned urban community. As well as being an expert in land management, Ray represents part of the continuity that has made the Disney legacy so powerful.
Gary Wilson joined our company in 1985 as executive vice president and chief financial officer. He is now chairman of Northwest Airlines, but continues to lend his fiscal expertise to the responsible management of our company.
I would like to ask all the Board members to stand ... as well as the spouses who have joined them -- Ilene Gold, Barbera Thornhill Wilson, and my wife Jane Eisner. Ladies and gentlemen -- owners of The Walt Disney Company -- please join me in recognizing an extraordinary group of individuals, your Board of Directors.
Now, to provide you a financial overview of your company, here is Disney's chief financial officer and senior executive vice president, Tom Staggs.