Board names Dick Pierce as Interim CEO and initiates search for new permanent CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, TX – March 26, 2010 – The American YouthWorks Board of Directors announced on March 22 that Dick Pierce will assume the duties of Interim CEO, while a formal search is conducted for a permanent CEO for AYW. The later process is open now and is expected to take less than 90 days to complete.

Dick Pierce has been a resident of Austin for 12 years and is well-known for his involvement in sustainability, environmental programs, landscape design and food production/gardening. He worked with AYW from 1998 – 2007 as the Special Programs Officer responsible for Casa Verde Builders, Environmental Corps, and Computer Corps – programs where young people learn job, work, and life skills at the same time they build recreation trails and restore habitat, build quality, Green, energy efficient homes for lower income families, and refurbish donated computers for use by families and community centers. He retired from AYW in early 2007, and recently returned to AYW as a management consultant. He will assist Chester Steinhauser, COO, and Jenny Emmons, School Superintendent with the day-to-day operations and spend time on the longer-range directions and strategic plans for AYW.

Dick replaces Melinda Wheatley, AYW’s former Acting CEO who has resigned from that position.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Margarine G. Beaman at oleo50@hotmail.com or 1901 E. Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78741.