FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 13, 2022

National service agency board members attend swearing-in ceremony and discuss agency priorities through 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C.– AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith and the AmeriCorps Board of Directors hosted the first public meeting on Friday, May 13. During the convening, Catherine McLaughlin was named board chair and the agency’s recently appointed members, Catherine McLaughlin, Fagan Harris and Alvin Warren were officially sworn in.

The board members discussed 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and Strategic Learning and Evidence Plan, American Rescue Plan implementation, CEO report and the election of a chair of the board. 

“I was thrilled to introduce Alvin, Cathy and Fagan to the AmeriCorps staff and the national service community during our first of many public meetings,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “Together, we will work with the AmeriCorps network to increase our evidence-based interventions and funding opportunities to help alleviate poverty and advance racial equity, address public health needs, respond to disasters and build climate resiliency, and expand education and economic opportunity.”

“The AmeriCorps board of directors is committed to making national service and volunteerism available to everyone,” said Catherine McLaughlin, AmeriCorps board chair. “We will use our collective experience and knowledge to bring communities together and further the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of building a better America through civic engagement. I look forward to working alongside my talented colleagues on the board.”

“AmeriCorps is an invaluable resource to millions of Americans whose lives have been changed for the better through our programs,” said Fagan Harris, AmeriCorps board member. “I have dedicated my life’s work to advancing career opportunities for historically underserved communities and I look forward to collaborating with Alvin, Cathy and Michael to drive greater impact toward solving national and local problems.”

“AmeriCorps and our members have a vital role to play in helping the American people recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and thrive,” said Alvin Warren, AmeriCorps board member. "I'm excited to work collaboratively with my fellow board members and the agency to assist communities, particularly historically underserved communities, with everything from education and career pathways to economic opportunity and environmental stewardship.”

The bipartisan board of directors sets policies and direction for AmeriCorps and oversees actions taken by the CEO concerning policies, programs and initiatives to carry out the mission of AmeriCorps. Learn more about the Sunshine Act meeting and watch the full board meeting.

AmeriCorps CEO administers the oath of office to the new baord.
AmeriCorps CEO and Board hold their first public meeting on May 13, 2022.
AmeriCorps Board of Directors hold a round table with AmeriCorps staff and stakeholders.
ServeDC joins AmeriCorps CEO and Board of Directors for a roundtable

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, 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 invests in grants for local nonprofit, community, tribal, and state organizations; 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. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.