Oct 27, 2010

International House Announces Ms. Denise Cumbee Long as New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of International House announces Ms. Denise Cumbee Long as the new Executive Director of International House.

Ms. Long was selected following an extensive search process conducted by the Search Committee of the Board of Directors. Ned Sergew, President of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Search Committee stated, "International House was fortunate to have had interest expressed by many exceptional leaders for this position, which speaks highly of the organization. Denise brings a great passion for the mission of International House as well as a demonstrated track record of successful executive-level leadership. We are very pleased that she has accepted our invitation to join the International House team."

Ms. Long most recently served as an interim pastor at two congregations in Elon and Chapel Hill. From 2000-2007, she was the Executive Director of NC LEAF, a statewide loan repayment assistance foundation for public interest attorneys. She also served as Executive Director of Safe Space, a four-county domestic violence program in Louisburg, and as Program Associate with the NC Council of Churches. Additional positions she previously held include, Director of Development for the Grassroots Leadership Development Program in Lorain, Ohio; Program Coordinator for Environmental Studies at Oberlin College; Director of Development and Institutional Research at McDowell Technical Community College; and International Partner with Habitat for Humanity in Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico.

"I was drawn to International House because of its commitment to promoting international understanding and its respected position in the Charlotte community ", said Ms. Long. "The mission and values of this organization are an inspiration. Someone has said that all conflict is about difference; whether the difference is race, religion, or nationality. But difference is part of what it means to be human. It should be welcomed, not feared. I am honored at having been selected to lead an exceptional organization and a very talented team."

Ms. Long holds a BA in English from Wake Forest University, an M Div from Southeastern Theological Seminary and a JD from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

International House will announce a "community open house" to introduce Ms. Long to friends and supporters following her start with the organization in mid-November.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE: Since 1981, International House has pursued its mission of promoting international understanding by serving as a center for diversity, advocating for people of diverse national backgrounds and facilitating professional and cultural programs.

Categories: Business