LSC Appoints New Director For Office of Program Performance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC - The Legal Services Corporation today announced the appointment of Janet LaBella as director of the LSC Office of Program Performance, effective Sept. 15.

LSC President Helaine M. Barnett said, "Janet LaBella brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the delivery of civil legal aid services to the poor and to this important office, where she will be a key member of the Corporation's senior management team."

Karen J. Sarjeant, LSC vice president for programs and compliance, praised LaBella as "a strong advocate and manager who brings essential leadership skills to our work at LSC."

LaBella, a program counsel in the Office of Program Performance, joined LSC in June 2004. She came to LSC with more than 22 years of experience working with public interest and civil legal services organizations. LaBella began her legal services career at the District of Columbia Legal Aid Society in the housing and consumer office and later managed a regional office at the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau for nearly 15 years.

The Office of Program Performance administers the competition for LSC grants and provides oversight to ensure LSC-funded programs provide high-quality legal services that are responsive to the needs of clients.

LSC, which is funded by Congress, was created in 1974 with the mission to promote equal access to justice in our nation and to promote high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans. LSC, with a budget of approximately $350 million for fiscal 2008, funds 137 civil legal aid programs with more than 920 offices across the country.