For Immediate Release, September 27, 2010
Contact:  Lauren Sucher, 202/429-3822 or  lsucher@usip.org

(Washington) – Effective September 27, Allison Sturma will handle media relations full-time as press secretary for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). Ms. Sturma has worked at USIP for two years in a variety of capacities. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Union College and a M.S. in China in the International Arena from the University of Glasgow.

Ms. Sturma will be primary point of contact for media inquiries. Lauren Sucher, USIP’s director of public affairs, has handled media relations in the past and will serve as Ms. Sturma’s backup.

Key information for journalists:
     Allison Sturma
     Press Secretary, USIP
     Desk - 202/429-4725
     Blackberry - 202/415-4935
     E-mail - asturma@usip.org

     Lauren Sucher
     Director of Public Affairs, USIP (media backup)
     Desk - 202/429-3822
     Blackberry - 202/306-6164
     E-mail - lsucher@usip.org

Online listing of USIP experts with bios and contact information: http://www.usip.org/specialists
Reporters seeking sources for stories are welcome to call USIP experts directly, or contact Ms. Sturma for help.

USIP hosts over 100 public events per year: http://www.usip.org/events
Reporters may sign up for events following RSVP links on event pages, or contact Ms. Sturma to reserve a place.

Reporters may sign up to receive e-mail notifications from USIP here: http://www.usip.org/newsletter-signup