Dear friends,

First Candle is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Susan Gerber Berning as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Berning is a creative visionary leader, strategic collaborator and proven executive administrator, with extensive experience as a child advocate and in working with diverse populations.

This announcement comes as part of a comprehensive strategic process to evaluate the priorities and direction of the organization. In the coming months, First Candle will be accelerating its work in the research arena and formalizing an information referral and bereavement continuum to better support and engage parents. Other ongoing efforts include: continued progress and success with the Bill & Melinda Gates Bedtime Basics for Babies initiative, hosting a 2012 SIDS/SUID/Stillbirth International Conference, increased emphasis on safe sleep practices in preventing infant deaths and our new Kicks Count! campaign.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Ms. Berning’s caliber at the helm,” said Gordon P. Jones, First Candle Board Chair. “After an extensive six-month search, the board is confident we have hired the best candidate to lead the organization to the next level as we work to save babies’ lives.”

First Candle is proud of its past progress and success and is poised for the future. We look forward to continuing to work hand-in-hand with our many friends and partners to advance infant health and survival. We hope you will join us in welcoming Susan to her new role. She can be reached at susan@firstcandle.org or 1-800-221-7437.

Warm regards,

The First Candle Board of Directors