AMBRIDGE, PENNSYLVANIA – Archbishop Robert Duncan, in consultation with the Board of Trustees of The Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF), is pleased to announce that Mr. William E. Deiss will replace Canon Nancy Norton as ARDF’s next Executive Director following her retirement in June of 2014.
ARDF is the official relief and development ministry of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). Since the organization’s founding in 2004, ARDF has experienced rapid growth and widespread recognition across the Anglican Communion. ARDF exists to support ACNA churches as they seek to minister in partnership with our Anglican brothers and sisters in the developing world.
Archbishop Duncan expressed his approval of the choice:
Mr. Bill Deiss will bring a wealth of global experience and personal passion to the leadership of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund. Bill is a deeply committed Christian layman with decades of business and church experience. As Executive Director of ARDF, Mr. Deiss will work alongside the Archbishop (who serves as President of the Fund), the other Primate Trustees, the U.S. Canadian and Australian Boards, and our generous donors to bring real change to our brothers and sisters around the world through development projects and emergency relief—all in the Name of Jesus Christ.
At the end of June, Bill Deiss will succeed Canon Nancy Norton, whose extraordinary nine-year term as Executive Director extended the Fund’s reach to 34 nations and 139 projects.”
Bill has served as the Chairman of ARDF’s Board of Trustees for several years. Canon Nancy Norton commented that,
Bill has excellent leadership skills and has been a true gift to ARDF. His in-depth knowledge of the organization provides a strong foundation to support the current vision and mission of ARDF and its unique partnership with ACNA and the global Anglican Communion. His commitment to mission will be key in maintaining ARDF’s strategic project paradigm that combines research, evangelism and accountability.”
Mr. Deiss brings extensive experience to his new role both in international business and in ministry at the Falls Church Anglican, where he has served as Business Manager for over 17 years. He holds a BSAE from Princeton University and MSIE from University of Toledo.
“It’s more than an honor to be called to serve the Anglican Relief and Development Fund as Executive Director,” Bill said.
Under the excellent leadership of Canon Nancy Norton for the last nine years, this fund has established itself as a strong mission arm of the worldwide Anglican Church serving the poorest of the poor. ARDF exemplifies the unity of the Anglican Church when it works together to invest in sustainable development serving people in great need. It shows God’s love to all involved. ARDF knows God is pleased when we love and lift up the poor to live sustainable holistic and contributing lives.”
ARDF’s mission is to work within the worldwide Anglican Communion to maximize life change in some of the most challenging parts of the world for the sake of Christ.