FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 24, 2022

National service agency board members convened to share recent reports and spotlight AmeriCorps role in education

WASHINGTON, D.C.– AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith and the AmeriCorps Board of Directors hosted a retreat and public board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 19. During the public meeting, the board was briefed by its Oversight, Governance and Audit Committee and heard the latest CEO report, as well as updates from AmeriCorps programs across the nation, spotlighting the agency’s role in education.

AmeriCorps board chair Catherine McLaughlin and board members Alvin Warren, Fagan Harris, Leslie Bluhm, Lisette Nieves and Shirley Sagawa were all in attendance. This was the first public event Bluhm, Nieves and Sagawa have attended since their Senate confirmations in August. All board members took questions from attendees and McLaughlin delivered closing remarks.

“I was thrilled to introduce Leslie, Lisette and Shirley to AmeriCorps staff and the national service community during this board retreat,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “Our board is uniquely qualified help AmeriCorps alleviate poverty and advance racial equity, address public health needs, respond to disasters and build climate resiliency, and expand education and economic opportunity.”

“I want to express the board’s deep appreciation to the 250,000 dedicated members, volunteers and staff that serve in our AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs across the country,” said Catherine McLaughlin, AmeriCorps board chair. “Every day you do vital work to improve lives, expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and unite our nation. We are grateful for your service and proud to be your partners.”

The board of directors sets policies and direction for AmeriCorps and oversees actions taken by the CEO to carry out the national service laws. Learn more about the meeting agenda and watch the full meeting here.

Michael D. Smith and the AmeriCorps Board of Directors

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.