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1994.10.12 :  Public Affairs Director

Contact:  ACF Press Office     (202) 401-9215  
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 1994


          MICHAEL KHARFEN NAMED ACF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today named Michael Kharfen as
director, Office of Public Affairs, Administration for Children and
Families.
     In his new position, Kharfen will serve as the spokesman for
the programs, issues and initiatives of ACF, including Aid to
Families with Dependent Children, Head Start, child support
enforcement, child abuse and neglect, child welfare, developmental
disabilities, Native Americans and refugee resettlement.  His
responsibilities also include intergovernmental liaison with states,
local governments and non-governmental organizations.
     "Michael Kharfen brings the necessary energy, talent and skill
to focus attention on programs for children and families," said
Secretary Shalala.  "His experience on the front lines in New York
City, where he developed initiatives to improve services for
families, will be invaluable to HHS."
     Kharfen most recently served as director of community
assistance in the office of former New York Mayor David Dinkins.
From 1990-1993, he represented the mayor to the press and public. 
He also was responsible for coordinating community relations
agencies and successfully mediating major city-wide and community
crises.  From 1987-1989, he was deputy director of community
services for Manhattan Borough President David Dinkins for whom he
developed and designed community-based programs as well as
coordinated actions to resolve community issues.
     "I am especially pleased that Michael Kharfen has joined ACF,"
said Mary Jo Bane, assistant secretary for children and families. 
"Michael will help us improve our communication and outreach to our
diverse partners, including the states, grantees, press, advocates
and the public."
     He received his bachelor of arts degree in political science
from Oberlin College in 1982.  In 1989, Kharfen was named as a
fellow at the Brookdale Center on Aging at Hunter College.


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