December 12, 2008
by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE ¯ James (Randy) Ackley, whose 14 years with the American Red Cross (ARC) included heading up that agency's response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, has been named coordinator for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance [www.pcusa.org/pda] (PDA) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He begins his new work here Dec. 15.

In a Dec. 10 press release announcing the appointment, PDA said Ackley "brings a wealth of experience in both national and international disaster response and preparedness work with the ARC. His background includes the design and management of many different elements in the ministry of disaster assistance including disaster preparedness, disaster management, psychosocial support, water and sanitation, community development and public health."

Sara Lisherness, director of Compassion, Peace and Justice (CPJ) for the PC(USA)'s General Assembly Council, said, "PDA is an essential ministry of the church and I believe that Randy has the experience, energy and vision that is needed to equip PDA for the future. His presence will be a blessing to PDA and to the larger church."

Ackley began his relationship with the ARC as a volunteer in 1988. A former litigation attorney, he has served on the organization's staff since 1994, most recently as head of regional delegation and senior field representative in South Asia, a position he has held since 2003.

From 1996 through 2002, Ackley juggled numerous responsibilities including media relations associate, public affairs officer and management of the ARC's partnership with the Weather Channel, which developed "Project Safeside," a nationwide, award winning, multi-media disaster preparedness project.

In addition to his international experience in South Asia, Ackley also served the ARC as its head of delegation in Bulgaria. While there, he designed and implemented an innovative disaster relief partnership with the Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC) and assisted in the development of the BRC's Financial Development Department. As a result he was awarded the Gold Medal for Merit in 2001 by the BRC.

"I'm really excited to be joining the PDA team, which is a very dedicated group of people," Ackley said upon his appointment. "This ministry has a solid foundation of being responsive, effective and caring, and I'm pleased to be part of it."

He will be moving to Louisville from the Chicago area with his wife and three young children.

Information for this story furnished by Mindy Marchal, CPJ's communications associate with Communications and Funds Development.

Presbyterian News Service