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Philatelic News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2002
Stamp Release #02-010
Postmaster General Makes Two Appointments To The Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON - Postmaster General John E. Potter today announced the appointment of Jean Picker Firstenberg, director and CEO of the American Film Institute (AFI), and Cary R. Brick, retired U.S. House of Representatives executive, to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC).Established in 1957, the CSAC is tasked with reviewing more than 50,000 stamp subject proposals annually received by the U.S. Postal Service and is responsible for making subject and design recommendations to the Postmaster General.
"The Postal Service is pleased to welcome Jean Picker Firstenberg and Cary Brick to this influential committee," said Potter. "Their enthusiasm and dedication to public service will greatly benefit the U.S. commemorative stamp program."
Firstenberg is in her 21st year as director and CEO of AFI. During her two decades of leadership, AFI has matured, progressed and received increased recognition as one of America's greatest cultural and educational resources. In addition, AFI's role in advancing and preserving the art of the moving image has been acknowledged worldwide.
One of Firstenberg's earliest accomplishments came in 1981 when the institute's eight-acre campus in Los Angeles was acquired. Since then, she has led AFI through many other significant advancements, such as the development of the annual AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival, the Advanced Technology Program and "Virtual AFI," the AFI Showcase at the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park in Orlando, Fla., and AFI's state-of-the-art Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Md., scheduled to open this year.
Prior to joining AFI, Firstenberg spent four years working on media projects at the John and Mary R. Markle Foundation and earlier served as director of Princeton University's Publications Office. She is a graduate of Boston University's College of Communications.
At the time of his retirement in early 2000, Brick was chief of staff for Rep. John McHugh (R-NY) and the senior chief of staff in New York's 33-member congressional delegation. A veteran of more than 31 years of legislative and executive branch service in the federal government, he was one of the longest-serving executives of the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served as chief executive officer of Northern New York's congressional office.While serving with three successive congressmen representing New York's northernmost counties, Brick received many awards and citations for his outstanding leadership. He championed more than 30,000 cases on behalf of individuals and institutions encountering problems with federal and state agencies and departments.
A graduate of Syracuse University, he resides in Clayton, N.Y., and Alexandria, Va.
CSAC members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Postmaster General. The CSAC is composed of 15 members whose backgrounds reflect a wide range of educational, artistic, historical and professional expertise. All share an interest in philately and fulfilling the needs of the mailing public.
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