DEBRA DE JESUS VIZZI NAMED PRESIDENT OF VIP. SANDRA RUIZ BUTTER RETIRES AFTER 17 YEARS OF DEDICATED LEADERSHIP. SMOOTH TRANSITION AND CONTINUITY OF SERVICE TO THE BRONX COMMUNITY

After 17 years of dedicated service to VIP and to the Bronx Community, Sandra Ruiz Butter retired as President of VIP Community Services, effective March 16, 2009. The Board of Directors has selected Debra A. De Jesus Vizzi to be the third President in VIP's 35-year history.

"With the selection of Mrs. Vizzi, we are pleased to have found a talented licensed social worker with experience in behavioral health, born and raised in the Bronx and knowledgeable about the vulnerable population VIP serves," says Riccardo Salmona, VIP's Chair of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Salmona continues, "Mrs. Butter has worked successfully for many years to expand programs so as to reach a larger number of clients through a model of integrated services with many 'doors to treatment'. Over the years, VIP has incorporated strategies of harm reduction, has added primary health care, carried out extensive HIV prevention and education, and developed housing and employment services, in order to offer many opportunities for assistance. Aided by a staff of dedicated professionals, Mrs. Vizzi is continuing this effort."

Mrs. Butter continues to be involved in a more limited way as Special Advisor in VIP's Housing Initiatives.

According to Mrs. Vizzi, "I have tremendous respect and admiration for Mrs. Butter and for VIP's groundbreaking work in the Bronx. I look forward to working together with staff, Board, clients, funders, businesses and service providers to continue VIP's mission to "change lives and transform our community."