The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of William (Bill) T. White as the new full time Executive Director of The Heart Touch Project. Concluding a two-month search, the Board selected Mr White to fill the post from the field of qualified candidates at its last meeting. His official starting date is Monday, May 14.

Bill started his nonprofit career evaluating national charities as Vice President of the National Charities Information Bureau in New York. Most recently, Bill directed the successful effort to create a historic multi-million dollar at-risk youth and family educational center in Harvard Heights, Los Angeles, with the Byzantine Latino Quarter Foundation.

In reflecting on his appointment, Bill stated, “I am excited and honored to be with the Heart Touch team. I’m looking forward to helping enhance the compassionate work pioneered by founder Shawnee Isaac Smith, the Board, staff and caring volunteers who are so committed to Heart Touch! I also look forward to solid growth and expansion of The Heart Touch Project in the years ahead.”

Shawnee Isaac Smith, founder, expressed her approval of the Board’s decision, saying: “Heart Touch is privileged to have Bill White with us. He brings a wealth of experience in program development, strategic planning, fund-raising, grant writing, budgeting, marketing and administration to our organization. We welcome his effort to lead our Heart Touch “team” to become more robust and forward thinking.”

We are also pleased to announce that Patrick Callahan, who has served as part-time Executive Director since 2007, will continue to enhance our programs by leading the Heart Touch Children’s Program and the International Outreach Program.

Bill can be reached at 310-391-2558 or by email at bill@hearttouch.org.