Frances Hesselbein to Serve as Honorary Chairperson of Volunteers of America’s 125th Anniversary
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Vicki Bendure, Bendure Communications
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David Burch, Volunteers of America
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Frances Hesselbein to Serve as Honorary Chairperson of Volunteers of America’s 125th Anniversary
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 17, 2019—Frances Hesselbein has agreed to serve as honorary chairperson of Volunteers of America’s 125th Anniversary events in 2021. Hesselbein served as chairman of the National Board of Directors for Volunteers of America from 2002 to 2006 and, in 2013, was awarded the organization’s highest honor—the Maude Booth Legacy Award for a lifetime of pioneering social change.
As one of the most highly respected experts in the field of contemporary leadership development, Hesselbein’s awards and achievements are numerous; highlights include being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton in 1998; recognition by the first President Bush who appointed her to two Presidential Commissions on National and Community Service; and in 2015, she was named as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine. Hesselbein is the recipient of 22 honorary doctoral degrees. She is the co-editor of 35 books in 21 languages. She has been awarded the John F. Kennedy Memorial Fellowship by Fulbright New Zealand and she was the first recipient of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Security Award in 2003.
From 1965 to 1976, she rose from volunteer troop leader of the Girl Scouts to CEO of the Girl Scouts of America and held the position for 13 years. During that time, she grew the organization membership to 2.25 million girls. In 1990, she left the Girl Scouts to found the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management, which after Drucker’s death in 2005, was renamed to honor Hesselbein and her ongoing contributions.
“We are honored that Frances has agreed to serve as honorary chairperson of our 125th anniversary,” said Mike King, president and CEO of Volunteers of America. “Our organization is one of so many nonprofits that has benefited from Frances’ involvement and leadership expertise. In honoring Volunteers of America, we’re also honoring Frances and all she’s given to us and so many others. She is remarkable.”
For more information on Volunteers of America’s 125th anniversary activities and events, visit www.voa.org.
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About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is a national, faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, Volunteers of America supports and empowers America’s most vulnerable groups, including veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, men and women returning from prison, homeless individuals and families, those recovering from addictions and many others. Through hundreds of human service programs, including housing and health care, Volunteers of America helps 1.5 million people in over 400 communities. Visit voa.org.