Press Release: Dr. Stephen Baskerville Becomes ACFC President

[SPARC Admin]

January 5, 2004

Dr. Stephen Baskerville Becomes ACFC President

Washington, DC (Jan. 5, 2004) – The American Coalition for Fathers and Children (ACFC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Stephen Baskerville, professor of political science at Howard University, will become President effective January 5, 2004.  Dr. Baskerville is internationally known for groundbreaking commentary in both academic and news publications on the dismal state of family courts in America and the national tragedy of court manufactured fatherless children.  

His incisive commentary, ACFC believes, is setting the stage for a new national critique of prevailing government and social policies on divorced fathers and their children.

"It's an honor to have been selected to serve as ACFC President," notes Dr. Baskerville.  "World-wide we are witnessing growing recognition of the importance of fathers in the lives of their children.   We will intensify pressure on government to recognize what most Americans already understand:  that children need both parents who are actively engaged with them, emotionally, physically, intellectually and financially, regardless of the parent's present marital status."

A noted author and commentator, Dr. Baskerville's articles have appeared in such  publications as The Washington Post, Washington Times, Insight Magazine, Human Events, Crisis Magazine and National Review.  Additionally he has appeared on television shows like Fox New's "O'Reilly Factor" and "Hardball" with Chris Matthews.

"Dr. Baskerville's joining ACFC as President represents a significant step forward for both the Fathers and Shared Parenting movements.  Working with our affiliate organizations we will see a rebuttable presumption of 50/50 time become the cornerstone of parenting plans in the future," adds Michael McCormick, Executive Director of the organization.  

Also joining the Coalition is John Maguire serving as Director of Communications, Media and Public Relations.  Mr. Maguire's previous experience includes media relations positions at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, and Tufts Medical School.  He also directed the science journalism program at Boston University, and has worked as a reporter at several daily newspapers, including the father-friendly Massachusetts News.

Outgoing ACFC President David Roberts will become Chairman of the Board of ACFC, with responsibility for overall guidance and to assure compliance with our 501(c)3 status.  He will continue to serve as the rock of stability for the organization, as he has for the last seven years as President.  "I am extremely pleased with these additions," he said, stating that "ACFC is now more ready than ever to take on the misguided forces of family destruction in our courts and government agencies."  Ileana Basil will continue her outstanding work as ACFC List Serve Manager.
 
The American Coalition for Fathers and Children is the largest member supported shared parenting organization in the nation.  With offices in California and Washington, DC, and  affiliated organizations active in over twenty states the Coalition provides support services to divorcing families.  The organization produces the "Shared Parenting Tool Kit" a practical resource for those going through divorce.

As an IRS recognized 501(c)3 organization, contributions to ACFC are tax deductible.  For more information about ACFC visit our website at //www.acfc.org or call 800 978-3237.