Jun 13, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. International Paper Company elected Joan E. Spero, Ph.D., to its board of directors, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. "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. 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. International Paper is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers and industrial and consumer packaging, complemented by xpedx, the Company's North American distribution company.