Presbyterian News Service
See this story and photos at http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2006/06286.htm
06286 May 23, 2006
Linda Bryant Valentine elected to head GAC
'World needs what the Presbyterian Church provides'
by Jerry L. Van Marter
CHICAGO -- A lifelong Presbyterian and corporate lawyer has been tapped as the next executive director of the General Assembly Council (GAC), the national mission program arm of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
By a vote of 41-13 with one abstention, the council elected Linda Bryant Valentine at a special meeting here May 23. If confirmed by the upcoming 217th General Assembly in Birmingham, AL, Valentine will succeed retiring executive director John Detterick on July 1.
Valentine, a Presbyterian elder who told the council her life has been one of "faith in action," has been active in many ways at Chicago's Fourth Presbyterian Church, including a six-month stint as the church's interim executive director.
"This journey of faith in action has at the same time led me to reflection and deeper understanding of the biblical and spiritual injunctions to serve the Lord, to be in community, to respond to God's grace with stewardship and gladness, to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, honor all people, and strive to model the example of Jesus Christ.
For the past two years, Valentine served as fund manager and general counsel for the non-profit organization Opportunity International, one of the largest micro-finance networks in the world. Last year the network, composed of 45 organizations, made over a million loans, most of $150 or less, to poor people in 28 countries.
That experience, she said, helped prepare her for the top GAC post. "Opportunity International brings together Christians of all denominations and theological perspectives who join in the common purpose to respond to Jesus Christ's call to serve the poor and to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us," Valentine explained. "That common purpose enables us to work together with dedication and commitment to our mission, notwithstanding our theological differences."
For 18 years, Valentine was senior vice president at Motorola. That experience -- she was the second highest-ranking woman in the company, which has 145,000 employees -- also prepared for the position she is about to assume.
"Motorola was large *complex and divided into six divisions that were referred to internally and in the press as 'warring tribes,'" she said. "(My) department held a unique position, spanning as it did the whole company, so we were able to work across divisions, pulling teams together, communicating and working to resolve competing interests while serving the larger interests of the company."
Asked about the PC(USA)'s current dialogues with Motorola as part of the General Assembly's "selective, phased divestment" process in Israel/Palesti ne, Valentine said, "I support constructive engagement. My role is to carry out the directives of the General Assembly and I welcome it."
Though she acknowledged a lack of church experience beyond her congregation , Valentine demonstrated acute understanding of the state of the PC(USA). "I know the denomination is not hierarchical, that the national church does not command the mission and programs of the synods and presbyteries," she said.
"Rather, this is a relationship of partnership and mutual benefit, of consultation and collaboration. I also know that changes are happening not only in the GAC but at all levels, as we adapt our rich traditions and experience to the realities of today. Individuals and congregations want to be more directly involved in mission."
In this new reality, vision and purpose are key to success, Valentine said, again alluding to her previous experiences in the corporate and non-profit sectors. "When vision and purpose are clear, a large organizatio n and the people in it can do great things," she said. "That's true for corporations and for not-for-profit organizations, and it's true for the body of Christ which is the Church.
"In the church we join for the greatest purpose -- to be the body of Christ."
Valentine outlined the six tasks she believes must be done between now and the September GAC meeting:
1) Select her top two deputies: deputy executive director for witness and deputy executive director for support services;
2) Develop a new organizational structure at the Presbyterian Center, following up on the GAC's reorganization plan adopted in April, including new clustering of programmatic work, new alignment of support work and a new funds development strategy and structure;
3) Develop "specific and measurable outcomes" for each of the eight Mission Work Plan objectives;
4) Develop a new communications strategy, "including analysis of role of
Presbyterians Today magazine";
5) Work with the GAC's Implementation Work Group on a transition plan for
moving to council's new structure, which was also approved in April; and
6) Begin the work of building relationships with presbyteries, synods, agencies and
other leaders in the church.
"We thank God for Linda Valentine's openness to this call," said search committee chair Karen Dimon. "She brings legal and financial experience as well as leadership experience in church and business -- a beautiful and unique blend. "Her collegial manner will help establish partnerships and cooperation. She brings a fresh vision, commitment and hope for the future of the denomination."
"I love the Presbyterian Church," Valentine concluded. "I believe the world needs what the Presbyterian Church provides."