FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apr 21, 2009

Dear Colleagues,

Earlier today President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act into law. He was joined by First Lady Michelle Obama, the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden, which demonstrates more powerfully than words this Administration’s commitment to national service. It was the most exciting moment of my nine years on the board of the Corporation, and I know it’s the beginning of many great things to come.

I’m also pleased to inform you that the President has announced his intention to nominate Maria Eitel, president of the Nike Foundation, to serve as the Corporation’s new CEO.

As eager as we are to move forward, the Senate confirmation process can be lengthy. I want to emphasize that Nicky Goren will continue in the role of acting CEO even as she helps Ms. Eitel prepare for her new role. Nicky has done a terrific job as acting CEO. She has presided over what was supposed to be a quiet transition but which turned out to be the greatest expansion of national service in America’s history. We are indebted to Nicky beyond measure, and we thank her for her service.

The Board of Directors is also grateful to all of you at headquarters and in the field whose hard work has brought us to this watershed moment. To be sure, there’s much more to be done, and we are really beginning a new era of national service. But I’m confident that we can get there, and that America very much both wants and needs us to succeed.

Sincerely,


Alan Solomont
Chairman of the Board
Corporation for National and Community Service

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.