Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's largest children's literacy organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alicia Levi as RIF's new President and CEO. She succeeds Carol H. Rasco who is retiring after 15 years of leadership and service. Ms. Levi, an education industry veteran, joins RIF at a pivotal time of growth and innovation with such programs as Read for Success.

"The Board of Directors is delighted that Alicia Levi will be at the helm as Reading Is Fundamental grows its literacy programs," noted Jack Remondi, President and CEO of Navient and RIF Chairman of the Board. "Alicia's innovative leadership and dynamic approaches to education will further establish RIF's identity and deliver meaningful impact for millions of children across the U.S. On behalf of the board, team and kids whose lives we have touched, I also extend my deepest appreciation to Carol who has so ably led the organization."

Ms. Levi will serve as President and CEO of the organization, now in its 50th year of inspiring children to read, and will provide leadership, vision and strategy for the organization and its mission. In addition to directing RIF's program activities and leading staff, she will be responsible for overseeing the organization's operations, strategy, planning, fundraising, finance and public awareness activities.

"Reading Is Fundamental is an important and powerful voice in support of children's literacy," said Alicia Levi, newly appointed President and CEO. "I am honored to bring my experience to this outstanding organization and to work with RIF and its partners to ensure all children have access to the fundamental opportunities that literacy provides."

Prior to joining RIF, Ms. Levi served as Vice President, Education at the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and oversaw all of its educational efforts in developing digital education services for PBS, local public television stations, students and teachers. Ms. Levi also served as Vice President, Educational Publishing at Discovery Education, helping to design comprehensive educational and media solutions for K-12 classrooms. She currently serves on the board of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park. She resides in Annapolis with her husband Frank and three children.

About Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) transforms lives through the power of books. By providing children in need with access to books of their choosing, RIF empowers young minds to embrace the world of reading and develop a love of learning. As the nation's largest children's literacy organization, RIF has provided more than 412 million books to 40 million RIF kids over 50 years, inspiring generations to read, learn and grow. Sign up for our newsletter at www.rif.org and follow us on Twitter to learn more.