Virginia Interfaith Public Policy director Doug Smith new Heifer Board Chair

 

Media Contact

Ray White

Public Relations Director

Heifer International

800-422-1311

ray.white@heifer.org

 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Nov. 3, 2009 – The Rev. Doug Smith of Richmond, Va., has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of Heifer International, a humanitarian organization that provides livestock and training to help communities around the world escape hunger and poverty.

Rev. Smith is executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy in Richmond, Va., an advocacy group that works to "build a more just and compassionate Commonwealth" on behalf of its unique Christian, Jewish and Islamic partnership.

As an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Doug has served as a pastor, church builder, and coordinator of mission volunteers with Week of Compassion, the relief and development fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was formerly on staff with the World Council of Churches in Geneva, and was Senior Web Strategist for FaithandValues.com (now FaithStreams.com).

Rev. Smith is a graduate of James Madison University (B.S.), Lexington Theological Seminary (M.Div.). The University of Virginia and the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership program named him a Sorensen Fellow.

He has been a member of the Heifer International Board of Directors since 1999, and is a member of Heifer International’s Executive Committee and the Heifer International Foundation Board of Trustees.

He was recently named one of James Madison University's “World Changers” among alumni, professors, and students; the “Top 40 under 40” in Richmond, Va., by Style Weekly, and accepted the Richmond History Makers award from the Valentine History Museum in 2007.

Rev. Smith is married and he, his wife, Cindy, and their two daughters live in Mechanicsville, Va.

Click here to download photo: http://heifer.mediaroom.com/file.php/352/DougSmith+BW+08.jpg

Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 50 countries, including the U.S., to help families and communities become more self-reliant.

For more information, visit www.heifer.org or call 1-800-422-1311.