U.S. Department of Justice
Executive Office for Immigration Review

Office of the Director
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2400
Falls Church, Virginia 22041

NEWS RELEASE Contact: Office of Public Affairs

(703)305-0289, Fax: (703) 605-0365

Internet: www.usdoj.gov/eoir

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April 2, 1999

DIRECTOR ROONEY APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR

FALLS CHURCH, VA -- In a move that will strengthen oversight of all agency-wide initiatives and efforts, Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Director Kevin D. Rooney yesterday announced that Margaret (Peggy) Philbin, currently EOIR General Counsel, has been appointed by the Attorney General as the new Deputy Director, effective immediately.

The Deputy Director will report to the Director and will assist in the overall management of all EOIR activities, with direct supervisory responsibility for the staff and support functions currently in the Office of the Associate Director.

Prior to her new appointment, Ms. Philbin has served as General Counsel since June 1995. She began her career with the Department of Justice in 1988 as a Trial Attorney with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in Miami, Florida and later joined EOIR in the Office of the General Counsel as Associate General Counsel where she served from 1990 to 1995. Prior to joining the Department, Ms. Philbin worked in private practice both in New York and Florida, and also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law in the Criminal Justice Department of Long Island University.

She received her undergraduate degree in 1972 from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, and her law degree in 1976 from St. John's University School of Law. She is a member of the New York and Florida Bars and the Federal Bar in several Districts.

Ms. Philbin will continue to act as General Counsel until that position is filled.

--EOIR--