FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NORRIS LINEWEAVER TO DIRECT JERUSALEM INTERNATIONAL YMCA
President/CEO of Indianapolis YMCAs appointed to historic Holy Land post
Chicago, April 27, 2005 - Norris D. Lineweaver, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, has been appointed Director General of the Jerusalem International YMCA (JIY), the historic West Jerusalem landmark Y, adjacent to the Old City and serving the three religious communities. Announcement of his appointment was made here today by YMCA of the USA, which owns and operates the JIY. Lineweaver assumes his new role effective October 15.
"I am delighted that Norris Lineweaver has accepted the position of Director General of the Jerusalem International YMCA," said Kenneth L. Gladish, Ph.D., National Executive Director, YMCA of the USA. Norris is an accomplished YMCA leader who will bring unique knowledge, skills and vision to this highly critical post at a time when the JIY is poised for even greater service in the region."
The Jerusalem International YMCA was the realized dream of YMCA Jerusalem General Secretary Archibald Harte, an American who saw it open its doors in 1933. Described as a "Sermon in Stone" and an "island of peace" among warring communities, the JIY welcomes Jews, Muslims and Christians throughout its volunteer, staff and membership ranks and was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. In assuming direction of the JIY, Lineweaver will build on the outstanding service performed there by Len Wilson since January 2002.
As President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis from 1994 until the present, Lineweaver repositioned the association, expanded programs and membership while creating three new branches and renovating and expanding two existing facilities. During this period he also maintained an international involvement begun immediately after college when he served two years as a YMCA World Service worker in Ethiopia.
Norris Lineweaver joined YMCA of the USA as an Associate Field Consultant in Dallas in 1969, became a Dallas Branch Director, then Vice President of Development for the Greater Houston Association, Executive Director of the Hollywood, Calif. YMCA and returned to Houston as Vice President and Management Resource Center Director.
Lineweaver is current chair of the Abundant Assets Alliance, an initiative of YMCA of the USA, Y Canada and Search Insitute, dedicated to providing an asset-rich environment for adolescents and children. He is a member of Y-USA's Service Delivery Committee, revamping national support to local Ys, is a member of Y-USA's International Committee and hosted Y-USA's major International Assembly in 2003. He also chaired the Y-USA Adventure Guides Task Force which updated the YMCAs' beloved Indian Guides and Princesses programs.
A graduate of George Williams College, Lineweaver did advance studies at Southern Methodist University, Wharton School of Finance, Harvard University, University of Wisconsin, and the University of Texas where he was a John R. Mott Fellow.
Norris and MaLes Lineweaver have a grown daughter and have made their home in Indianapolis.
YMCA of the USA is national resource office for America's 2,595 YMCAs, collectively the nation's largest community service organization and charity of choice. YMCAs serve 18.9 million people, including 9.3 million children through a broad range of programs. YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities. Financial assistance is available. Visit www.ymca.net.
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For more information contact:
Media Relations Manager
312-419-8418
Diane Hurles
317-266-9622
dhurles@indymca.org