Fifth Street Finance announced that James Castro-Blanco has been appointed as an independent director, effective August 15, 2014. His appointment brings the Board of Directors back to eight directors, five of whom are independent.

“We are pleased to add Jim to FSC’s Board of Directors. With over 20 years of experience as an attorney in both the private and public sectors, we believe that he will provide a valuable perspective to our Board of Directors,” stated FSC’s Chief Executive Officer, Leonard M. Tannenbaum.

Castro-Blanco serves as the chief deputy county attorney for Westchester County, where he advises numerous elected officials, boards and commissions and, since December 2010, has been a lead attorney on high profile matters involving Westchester County.

Prior experiences include providing business and risk management advice to businesses and individuals, as well as investigating and reporting alleged financial improprieties. He has also been a former Assistant United States Attorney where he investigated and prosecuted individuals and organizations involved in RICO, money-laundering and other financial crimes. In addition, he has past experience working on antitrust and complex corporate litigation matters.

Fifth Street Finance is a specialty finance company that provides financing solutions to mid-sized companies, primarily in connection with investments by private equity sponsors.