CAMFT Welcomes Jill Epstein, J.D. as new Executive Director

(San Diego - March 16, 2011) - The CAMFT Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Jill Epstein, J.D., who will become the Executive Director of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) on May 2, 2011. Epstein, who relocated to San Diego in 2010, has rich experience, primarily in the not-for-profit arena, which includes organization management in the industries of health care, elder care, professional standards and certification, and finance.

To assume employment with CAMFT, Epstein will be leaving a position as the Chief Operating Officer for the California Massage Therapy Council, a position she assumed when her husband’s position necessitated their relocation from Chicago to San Diego. Prior to moving to San Diego, Epstein served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Financial Analysts Society of Chicago. Earlier in her career, Epstein worked for the American Medical Association and the American Association of Retired Persons.

Epstein enjoys working with members, is service-oriented and appreciates the opportunity to assist a profession in elevating its status and influence. Amongst her many attributes she:

• Has solid experience in supporting a Board of Directors and governance structure that includes committee and advisory groups.
• Has the desire to work in a forward progression, pushing traditional boundaries.
• Shows strength as an outreach ambassador in sharing the message of the organization.
• Has excellent communication skills, including presentations, public speaking, and writing.
• Has the ability to engage others in activities to encourage communication and interaction.
• Shows enthusiasm in her approach to work and life.
• Is collaborative and team-oriented.

Epstein is licensed to practice law in Washington D.C. She was awarded a law degree from the Washington College of Law, American University, Washington D.C. Her Bachelor of Arts degree is in Political Science from the University of Michigan. Epstein is married with two children.

Epstein will fill the position held by Mary Riemersma for the past 26 years. Riemersma will be retiring from CAMFT on April 30, 2011, and will serve in a consultative position for a three-month period to aid in the transition.

About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the state's licensed and prelicensed Marriage and Family Therapists and the common interests of its 29,000 members. CAMFT provides CounselingCalifornia.com as a free resource for individuals looking for Marriage and Family Therapists located in California. Marriage and Family Therapists treat a range of issues including depression, anxiety, phobias/fears, elder and child issues, relationship issues, post-traumatic stress and severe mental illness. For more information, visit www.camft.org or www.CounselingCalifornia.com.

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