DALLAS, May 18, 2006/ --- Ann Marie Tallman joins the JCPenney Board of Directors while Paula Schneider has been named the President of Warnaco’s Group Swimwear division as confirmed by two separate announcements from their respective companies.

Dallas-based JCPenney welcomes Ann Marie Tallman, a highly accomplished leader in the public, private and non-profit sectors as she joins the company’s Board of Directors effective May 19.

Ms. Tallman, 42, is an attorney and most recently served as president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). She received a B.S. in psychology and political science from the University of Iowa, and a J.D. from the University of California Berkeley -- Boalt Hall School of Law. She also completed executive programs at the JFK School of Government at Harvard University, the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania and The Aspen Institute.

Welcoming Ms. Tallman, Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chairman and chief executive officer of JCPenney, said in a statement, "Ms. Tallman is an innovative leader and a compelling advocate of equal rights for all people. Her broad-based business expertise in finance, governance, and marketing, coupled with a deep understanding of the Latino market will be a significant value to our Board. We look forward to Ms. Tallman's contributions as we continue to make JCPenney a great place to work and a top retailer in terms of performance and execution."

Meanwhile, in New York, the Warnaco Group Inc. announced the appointment of Paula Schneider as the President of its Designer Swimwear division. Schneider will oversee all aspects of design, development, merchandising, marketing and sales for the Anne Cole, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Nautica, and Catalina brands.

Schneider succeeds Kathy Van Ness, who is leaving the Company to pursue other interests, and will report directly to Roger Williams, President of the Warnaco Swimwear Group.

Schneider has more than 20 years of experience in the apparel industry, including global product development and brand management. Most recently, she served as President of Laundry by Shelli Segal, a division of Liz Claiborne Inc. Before that she was President of Sales at BCBG Max Azria.