May 26, 2009
Obama's Nominee to Lead National-Service Efforts Withdraws
By Ian Wilhelm
President Obama’s pick to lead AmeriCorps and other national-service efforts has withdrawn her name from consideration.
Maria Eitel, the president of the Nike Foundation, was nominated last month to be the chief executive of the Corporation for National and Community Service, in Washington. But according to a letter sent to corporation staff members from the organization’s acting director, Nicola Goren, Ms. Eitel withdrew last week because of an unnamed health problem.
“I am writing to let you know that we have been notified by the White House that due to a previously unknown health condition, Maria Eitel has withdrawn her name from consideration as the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service,” Ms. Goren writes. “Our thoughts are with Maria as she focuses on her personal health. On behalf of the corporation board and myself, I want to thank you for your continued hard work during these busy times. Finding leadership for the corporation continues to be a high priority for the White House and I’m confident they will work hard to name someone else soon.”
The president nominated Ms. Eitel on the same day he signed the Edward Kennedy Serve America Act, which will greatly expand AmeriCorps and other programs. Her nomination would have required Senate approval.
Ms. Eitel was hailed by some nonprofit observers as an energetic leader who would bring marketing savvy and an international perspective to service efforts. Critics, however, questioned whether she had the management skills to oversee an organization with more than 530 employees and whether she knew enough about the issues facing domestic charities. (Read The Chronicle’s article about Ms. Eitel.)
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