(October 27, 2008 - New York, NY) The Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE) today announced its selection of Ms. Susan Taylor Batten as its new president. After a careful and thoughtful search process that included interviews with a talented pool of candidates representing all spectrums of philanthropy and business, the Board of Directors selected Ms. Batten to lead the 38-year-old, trailblazing organization. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy and public service, and a proven commitment to diversity and inclusion in philanthropy.

Ms. Batten joins ABFE after nine years with the Annie E. Casey Foundation where she is a Senior Associate, and coordinates a portfolio on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. In that role, she has worked across the Foundation to strengthen its focus on addressing racial disparities in grantmaking, which includes assisting Casey in its efforts to build and employ equitable and inclusive management and administrative practices such as workforce diversity, grantee diversity and vendor practices.

Contact: Sharon D. Toomer
646.230.0307 (o) or 917.721.3150 (cell)
stoomer@abfe.org