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Andrews Professor New ADRA President

Date: October 15, 2010
Contact: pr@andrews.edu
Website: http://www.adra.org/
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The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International Board of Directors appointed Rudi Maier as the agency’s new president and executive director during the board’s regular autumn meeting. Maier most recently served the church as professor of mission in the Department of World Mission at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. His ADRA appointment became effective October 12, 2010.

Maier, who has extensive experience in international development, becomes the fourth ADRA International president since its founding in 1984. He takes over the helm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s global humanitarian agency at a time of increased need for developmental and relief interventions.

"We are pleased to announce Maier’s appointment to this vital position," said Dr. Ella Simmons, vice-chair of the ADRA Board of Directors. "We congratulate him and wish him success in this new leadership."

Maier replaces Charles Sandefur who served as ADRA president for more than eight years and during whose tenure the agency experienced many structural and management systems changes.
Ted N. C. Wilson, president of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, praised Sandefur "for his untiring promotion of ADRA". Wilson added that ADRA’s work on behalf of the world’s vulnerable continues to be an integral part of the mission of the church.

Maier brings a unique perspective to ADRA, having worked as a professor of international development studies, development consultant, community development project director, and director for program evaluation. His multi-cultural background and extensive administrative experience in development will be a valuable resource for ADRA’s worldwide network.

Maier’s long career in academia has been complemented by an ongoing involvement in international development. Between 1981 and 1988, he worked for ADRA, building the agency’s monitoring and evaluation capacity, and implementing community-based programs. Following this, he became director and chair of the International Development Program at Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, a graduate program specializing in community and intercultural development. For more than 20 years, Maier taught at Andrews University, and consulted for numerous non-governmental organizations in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the former Soviet Union.

Born in Germany, Maier served in various professional capacities in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He holds a doctorate in Sociology and International Development from American University and a Master of Arts in South Asian Languages and Culture from the University of Chicago. Rudi Maier and his wife, Hille, have two adult children.

Source: Hearly Mayr and John Torres of ADRA with additional reporting by Keri Suarez, Office of Integrated Marketing & Communication



 
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