Press Release P.O. Box 407 • Media, PA 19063 610-565-2208 • 610-892-0562 Fax For Immediate Release: 1/14/2008 Contact: Karen Cronin, 610-565-2208 CASA Youth Advocates Appoints New Executive Director CASA Youth Advocates Board of Directors announced today that Michele Edgcumbe has been selected as Executive Director. Effective January 28th, Ms. Edgcumbe will succeed Karen Cronin, a board member, who has been serving as Interim Executive Director since September following the resignation of Executive Director, Peggy Futch. Michele brings over fifteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector, working in both direct care and administrative roles. Michele holds a BA in English from Immaculata University and a MA in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. The search committee included board members, Michele Daly, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center, Jeffrey Snowell of Snowell Consulting, Anthony Cavaliere, Branch Manager of Commerce Bank in Media and Karen Cronin, of KRC Management Consulting. In making their unanimous recommendation to the board, the search committee said, “Michele is an outstanding non-profit professional whose wealth of experience in social service organizations and track record of success in the areas of fundraising and program direction is an excellent fit for our needs.” CASA Youth Advocates is a non-profit organization serving abused and neglected children involved with the child welfare system of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. CASA was established in 1992 by Delaware County leaders, including President Judge Battle and community advocated Jane Nolan-Orr. Currently, more than 850 children are under the jurisdiction of Delaware County Dependency Court because they have been abused, neglected or abandoned by their parents or caregivers. Most have been separated from their parents, siblings, and other family members. Many suffer with mental illness, developmental delays, chronic health problems or other disabilities as a direct effect of the abuse and neglect. CASA advocates ensure these children receive the attention and support they deserve and help facilitate safe, permanent placement in a loving home. For more information, please visit our website at www.delcocasa.org.