New Website Gives Episcopal Relief & Development a Fresh Look, New URL

NEW YORK, April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Episcopal Relief & Development has launched a new organizational website featuring an updated look and layout, greater integration with social media and a unified donation pathway to boost interactivity and engagement.  In addition to helpful color coding, new icons and special spotlight sections, the redesign also includes improved accessibility and information flow, making it easier for users to learn more and take action to help heal a hurting world. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110421/DC87843LOGO)

The new design was developed in line with industry best practices, input received from Episcopal Relief & Development's staff and board members and feedback from donors and friends of the organization.  The update was co-managed by Malaika Kamunanwire, Episcopal Relief & Development's Senior Director for Marketing & Communications, and Daryn Kobata, the organization's Social Media and Web Officer, in partnership with digital firm Blue Fountain Media. 

"During the development of the new site, we were constantly evaluating our process to make sure that it focused on user needs and interests, while at the same time showcasing who we are as an organization," Kamunanwire said.  "The new look and feel of our site matches our ethos, and the content strives to inform and empower our supporters to act and get others involved in our mission."

Increasing engagement with individuals and institutions is the primary goal of the new site, with robust "What You Can Do" and "Church In Action" sections and an enhanced "Gifts For Life" area.  Gifts For Life is Episcopal Relief & Development's flagship alternative gift catalog, which invites supporters to purchase "items" such as a goat, a share in a community garden or a micro-loan that will benefit families around the world.  Gifts For Life items can be used to mark special occasions such as birthdays and holidays, and also make popular fundraisers for Sunday School and youth groups.

"The design is more colorful and fun, and features 'related items' to help people learn about different aspects of our work," said Kobata.  "Donors can also now make one-time gifts, monthly gifts and Gifts For Life purchases seamlessly through the same portal, which I think will really improve the user experience. Thanks so much to our web team members, staff and friends who helped make this site come to life!"

Episcopal Relief & Development's new site aligns with its strategic vision for 2013-16, which puts an emphasis on expanding networks of friends and supporters and creating greater opportunities for engagement.  Raising visibility and awareness and strengthening the organization's brand are key components of this strategy, and this is reflected in both the site design and the new domain name, www.episcopalrelief.org.   

"I am extremely proud of the efforts that have led to the creation of this new website, and thank everyone whose work has contributed to this success," said Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief & Development.  "I believe the new site will help greatly in strengthening the connections between this organization, its supporters and the community-based partners whose efforts are making a lasting impact."

Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church and an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The agency takes its mandate from Jesus' words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Episcopal Relief & Development works closely with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners to help rebuild after disasters and to empower local communities to find lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.

SOURCE Episcopal Relief & Development

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Obama gives Secret Service its 1st female director

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Tuesday named veteran Secret Service agent Julia Pierson as the agency's first female director, signaling his desire to change the culture at the male-dominated service, which has been marred by scandal.

Pierson, who most recently served as the agency's chief of staff, will take over from Mark Sullivan, who announced his retirement last month. The agency faced intense criticism during Sullivan's tenure for a prostitution scandal during preparations for Obama's trip to Cartagena, Colombia, last year.

The incident raised questions within the agency — as well as at the White House and on Capitol Hill — about the culture, particularly during foreign travel. In addition to protecting the president, the Secret Service also investigates financial crimes.

"Over her 30 years of experience with the Secret Service, Julia has consistently exemplified the spirit and dedication the men and women of the service demonstrate every day," Obama said in a statement announcing Pierson's appointment, which does not require Senate confirmation.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano also praised Obama's "historic decision" to name Pierson as the service's first female director.

Pierson, 53, has held high-ranking posts throughout the Secret Service, including deputy assistant director of the office of protective operations and assistant director of human resources and training. She has served as chief of staff since 2008.

That same year, Pierson was awarded the Presidential Meritorious Executive Award for superior performance in management throughout her career.

She joined the Secret Service in 1983 as a special agent and previously worked as a police officer in Orlando, Fla.

"Julia is eminently qualified to lead the agency that not only safeguards Americans at major events and secures our financial system, but also protects our leaders and our first families, including my own," Obama said. "Julia has had an exemplary career, and I know these experiences will guide her as she takes on this new challenge to lead the impressive men and women of this important agency."

Thirteen Secret Service employees were caught up in last year's prostitution scandal. After a night of heavy partying in the Caribbean resort city of Cartagena, the employees brought women, including prostitutes, to the hotel where they were staying. The incident became public after one agent refused to pay a prostitute and the pair argued about payment in a hotel hallway.

Eight of the employees were forced out of the agency, three were cleared of serious misconduct and at least two have been fighting to get their jobs back.

The incident took place before Obama arrived in Colombia and the service said the president's safety was never compromised. But news of the scandal broke during his trip, overshadowing the summit and embarrassing the U.S. delegation.

Sullivan issued a new code of conduct that bans employees from drinking within 10 hours of starting a shift or bringing foreign nationals back to their hotel rooms.

Sullivan apologized for the incident last year during testimony before a Senate panel.

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Associated Press writer Alicia Caldwell contributed to this report.

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