(Washington, D.C. - July 5, 2007) The Board of Directors of First Star announced today the appointment of Amy Harfeld as Deputy Executive Director, effective August 21, 2007. Ms. Harfeld succeeds Deborah Sams, who had served as First Star’s CEO from its inception in 1999. Ms. Harfeld had previously served as a volunteer member of First Star’s Policy Advisory Committee.

Said First Star President Peter Samuelson, “Amy Harfeld is a dedicated and passionate public interest attorney who has exhibited a lifelong commitment to child welfare. As a seasoned litigator, educator, and advocate, she brings a wealth of hands-on experience as well as all the passion and commitment to drive First Star’s considerable achievements to the next level.”

First Star is the nation’s leading advocacy organization working to change the U.S. child welfare system from one of abuse and neglect to one of protection and support and serves as a catalyst for meaningful reform through communication, education and legislation. First Star’s nonpartisan, multidisciplinary approach fosters collaborative action among organizations, advocates, practitioners and policy-makers working to benefit children.

Amy Harfeld has spent the last several years pioneering and directing a legal services program for parents and families at The Fortune Society in New York City. Prior to that, she litigated child abuse and neglect cases for The City of New York. She has also worked with the Juvenile Rights Division of The Legal Aid Society, The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Education Law Center, and has clerked for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Before entering law school, Amy was a Teach for America corps member, teaching seventh grade in a Los Angeles public school. Ms. Harfeld holds a BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies, summa cum laude, from the University of Michigan, an MA in Secondary Education from Cal State Los Angeles, and a JD from the City University of New York School of Law.