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News Release

DATE: October 12, 2011
CONTACT: Kelly Hackworth
PHONE: (800) 532-7239

For Immediate Release

SAFY names Nedelkoff Chief Executive Officer

(DELPHOS, Ohio) –– The Board of Directors of Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY), is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard R. Nedelkoff, MS, JD, as Chief Executive Officer. Nedelkoff will provide strategic leadership and oversee organizational operations in SAFY locations across eight states. He assumes the position from Interim CEO Ben Brooks.

Nedelkoff comes to SAFY with more than 30 years experience in human services and public safety. He previously served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO) of three different statewide and national non-profits providing services to youth and families. Additionally, he has managed agencies with budgets as large as six billion dollars and directed organizations with over 4500 employees. He is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the field of juvenile justice, child welfare and human services.

Nedelkoff was previously appointed by former President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed in the United States Senate to oversee the Bureau of Justice Assistance, an arm of the United States Department of Justice. He was later appointed by Texas Governor Rick Perry to begin reforms and oversee the Texas Youth Commission.

"We are excited about the breadth of knowledge and expertise Richard brings to SAFY," says Brooks. "We are extremely confident in his ability to lead this organization into the future. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the foster care and family services industry will strengthen our brand and grow the scope of our business."

Nedelkoff received his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University.

"It is such an honor to be leading a national organization with such a rich history of providing a broad continuum of quality services to families and youth across the country," says Nedelkoff.

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Since 1984, children and families who have experienced crisis have found hope through SAFY. More than the traditional foster care agency, SAFY is a private not-for-profit organization focusing on treatment, intervention, adoption and placement of children whose intensive needs cannot be managed through traditional foster care. Today, SAFY programs and services go beyond therapeutic foster care providing an array of collaborative services including in-home and school-based therapy, special medical services, mental health services, respite care, sexual offender treatment, independent living, positive transitions and juvenile justice. To learn more about SAFY, visit our website at www.safy.org.