Phoenix, AZ.- - The Association of Evangelical Relief and Development Organizations (AERDO) announced December 13, 2006 that Chad Hayward has been appointed as the new Executive Director. Hayward was unanimously elected by the AERDO Executive Committee and began on January 2, 2007.

“As AERDO advances its role in serving and strengthening faith-based associations of relief and development agencies, we engaged in a strategic process to select Chad Hayward as the next Executive Director,” states Ben Homan, chairman of the AERDO Executive Board and president of Food For The Hungry. “Chad brings an extraordinary depth of knowledge of AERDO members in his intrepid, trailblazing work on faith-based initiatives. He combines professional excellence, bravery, wit, energy, astute analysis and a passion for building partnerships and alliances. I've also appreciated Chad's ability to listen and dialog with people from a wide spectrum of organizations and walks of life."

Hayward currently serves as the Senior Advisor for the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the primary governmental agency extending assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms. Prior to joining USAID, he spent two years on Capitol Hill where he served as Communications Director for Rep. Jim Ryun of Kansas and Field Representative to Rep. John Thune of South Dakota.

Before coming to Washington, Hayward worked as Director of Operations for Prayer for the Persecuted Church, an organization that works to encourage involvement among the church to the subject of persecuted Christians worldwide. Prior to this, he worked for a development/consulting firm that specialized in helping non-profit organizations.

He holds a Bachelors degree in political science and history from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Hayward replaces outgoing executive director, John DeHaan, who has served AERDO as a volunteer for many years. John DeHaan will remain connected with AERDO through his new volunteer role in the leadership of Churches Together, an AERDO member.