CASA of Baltimore City Appoints Huff as New Executive Director

TOWSON, Md. (July 3, 2019) – CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) of Baltimore City has announced the appointment of Ciara M. Huff as the organization’s new Executive Director.Huff, a Baltimore native, has served as Interim Executive Director of the non-profit organization that advocates for children in foster care since March 2019, following the departure of the previous Executive Director, Nancy Blackwell.  She previously served as a volunteer advocate with the organization.“I’ve always had a passion for CASA as a volunteer, and I was interested in becoming Executive Director because I wanted CASA to have a greater impact in Baltimore City,” said Huff.  “I want to raise awareness and have CASA Baltimore become more involved with the issues surrounding child welfare in Baltimore City.”Prior to her appointment as Executive Director, Huff served as Grants Administrator & Policy Analyst for the Office of the State’s Attorney of Baltimore City (SAO), where she raised and oversaw $5 million in grant funds.  In her new role with CASA, Huff will manage a team of ten staff members and approximately 100 volunteer advocates, and will be responsible for raising funds and fostering relationships with community partners & stakeholders.“I want to have the capacity to serve every child in need of assistance in Baltimore, said Huff, adding that she wants CASA of Baltimore to be viewed as a necessary party in all child abuse and neglect cases, collaborating with all child welfare stakeholders to make a united effort to serve Baltimore’s youth.Among her short-term goals are to recruit more volunteers to serve as advocates for the children in their current caseload and to increase the organization’s overall funding.  CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to serve as advocates for children in foster care due to abuse and neglect, speaking up for their best interests and helping to ensure they reach safe, permanent homes in a timely manner.“Children are our most vulnerable population, especially those abused and neglected,” Huff concluded. “It is an obligation of those with the capacity and ability to make a difference, give them a voice, and help them reach their full potential. I am excited to embark on the journey to continue to give CASA children hope for the future and take actions to make a difference in their lives.”About CASA of BaltimoreCourt Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Baltimore, Inc. serves abused and neglected children by representing their voices in the Baltimore City court system and advocating for their best interests in the judicial, educational, medical and social service communities. The non-profit recruits, trains and supervises CASA’s to provide written, objective recommendations to the Court; to serve as a consistent adult presence, and to monitor that child's well-being. To be a voice for a child, learn more about volunteer opportunities with CASA of Baltimore, Inc. at 410.244.1465 or visit www.casabalt.org.# # #