Alexandria, VA (February 4, 2013) - Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander of The Salvation Army, announced today Major Ron Busroe has been appointed Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army's National Headquarters in the United States. In his new position, Major Busroe will serve as a public spokesperson for the organization, and focus on raising awareness of Salvation Army social service programs and volunteer opportunities and events through the United States.
"We are happy to have Major Ron Busroe bring his experience and a new perspective to The Salvation Army's national efforts and to build awareness of the organization and its services," said Commissioner Roberts. "Major Busroe has worked in all levels of The Salvation Army and will be a great leader and communicator for the National Headquarters. His skill and experience will help raise awareness for those in need and will be invaluable in highlighting the Mission of the Army to more people throughout the country."
Major Busroe brings more than 35 years of experience to his new position and looks to strengthen relationships with growing segments of America, including the Millennial generation - teenagers and young adults - by heightening the awareness of Salvation Army programs.
For working professionals, Major Busroe encourages individuals to volunteer on local Salvation Army Advisory Boards to provide input and guidance on services in the community. On the local level, community members have the ability to provide their unique skills and services to support the Mission of The Salvation Army - to meet human need.
"The Salvation Army is in every zip code across the country, with service opportunities for teenagers and young adults, who may not have a lot of money but do have time and determination to help others," said Major Busroe, who took over as the National Community Relations and Development Secretary on February 1, 2013. "Through our services, young adults have the chance to change lives by mentoring at Salvation Army extracurricular programs with young kids, serving meals at Salvation Army kitchens, offering support to survivors of disaster emergencies or even ringing a red kettle bell during Christmas."
Prior to accepting his new appointment, Major Busroe was the director of the Haiti Recovery and Development Office which coordinated a team of seven Salvation Army officers and directed all post-earthquake recovery and development initiatives in January 2010. Having served in Haiti from 2001 to 2007, Major Busroe brought experience and familiarity to the extreme issues facing Haiti, and along with the new team, worked closely with donors and other non-government organizations to ensure that all recovery projects incorporated both the needs of the community and the Mission of The Salvation Army.
Major Busroe served in The Salvation Amy USA's Southern Territory for 20 years as a Corps Officer Pastor in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, providing hands on daily social services for people in need. He also served three years as Area Commander of The Salvation Army in Tulsa, OK.
"My experiences have led me from providing direct services in His name to people in need throughout the world, to communicating how The Salvation Army provides these services and encouraging others to give back in their communities," said Major Busroe. "It's important to recognize that there are populations within the United States that are not as well off as others, and raising awareness of our services and how people can help - during the Red Kettle Campaign, during disasters, or just year round - is an important challenge."
Major Busroe was raised in Louisville, KY. His first contact with The Salvation Army was as a bell ringer in New York City while a student at Asbury College. He has a BA in history and also studied at Emory University Candler School of Theology. In 1991, Major Busroe attended the International College for Officers in London. Major Busroe, along with his wife Major Carol Busroe, was commissioned as an officer of The Salvation Army in 1978.
About The Salvation Army
The
Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church
established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without
discrimination for 129 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans
receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array
of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for
disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill,
clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged
children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in
5,000 communities nationwide.