SEATTLE, WA – National political experts will speak Thursday, Jan. 25, at the annual meeting of Seattle-based Casey Family Programs, the largest national operating foundation whose sole mission is to provide and improve – and ultimately prevent the need for – foster care.
Former Congressman and House Majority Leader Dick Armey and former Michigan Congressman and Governor James J. Blanchard will join political analyst Charlie Cook for a panel discussion with Casey Family Programs leadership and staff concerning political and policy trends affecting America’s vulnerable children and families.
Casey focuses its resources on partnering with communities, business leaders, policymakers and others to improve the U.S. child welfare system, and on directly serving the needs of children in foster care in seven U.S. states.
William C. Bell, president and CEO of Casey Family Programs, will moderate the panel discussion with Armey, Blanchard and Cook.
Former Congressman Dick Armey devoted 18 years of service to the nation in the U.S. House of Representatives, culminating in eight years as Majority Leader. He has served as the ranking Republican on the Joint Economic Committee, Chairman of the Republican Conference, and most recently Chairman of the Select Committee on Homeland Security.
Former Governor Blanchard served as the U.S. Ambassador to Canada from 1993 to 1996. Before being named ambassador, Blanchard served two terms as governor of Michigan (1983-1991) and four terms as a member of the U.S. Congress (1975-1983). He is also former chairman of the Democratic Governors’ Association and the National Democratic Platform Committee, as well as a former member of the National Governors’ Association’s executive committee.
Charlie Cook is the publisher of The Cook Political Report and political analyst for the National Journal Group, where he writes weekly for National Journal magazine and CongressDailyAM. He also writes a regular column for the Washington Quarterly, published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and he is a political analyst for NBC News. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading authorities on U.S. elections and political trends, Cook has appeared on ABC, CBS and NBC evening news programs, as well as Good Morning America, the Today Show, Nightline, Meet the Press with Tim Russert, and This Week.
For those media members interested in attending the session on Thursday, Jan. 25, please contact Megan Barrett in advance by phone at 206.352.4215, or by email at mbarrett@casey.org.
Casey Family Programs celebrates the 41st anniversary of its founding by United Parcel Service visionary Jim Casey, who dedicated his life to building stronger, safer communities for children, youth and families.