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NEWS FROM THE WORLDWATCH INSTITUTE The Board of Directors of the Worldwatch Institute announced today that it has appointed Christopher Flavin as President, succeeding the Institute's founding President Lester Brown, who became Chairman of the Board in April. The announcement marks a generational transition at one of the world's most respected research organizations, known worldwide for its annual State of the World report. "Chris Flavin has the leadership ability and vision that will be needed to extend the unique formula that has made the Institute such an influential organization," said Brown, who founded the Institute in 1974. Flavin, 45, was selected by the Institute's Board following a five-month international search that was led by Scott McVay and assisted by the executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates. Flavin has served the Institute as Vice President for Research and as Senior Vice President. He was named Acting President earlier this year. In accepting the position of President, Flavin said, "The Worldwatch Institute's second generation will be dedicated to building on our solid reputation with decision makers and our worldwide network of publishers. In the years ahead, we will provide leadership on how to make the transition to an environmentally sustainable global economy that does not leave over a billion people mired in poverty." Andrew Rice, Chair of the Board's Executive Committee, said, "After considering many strong candidates, we concluded that Chris was the clear choice to be our next president. He has provided strong intellectual leadership, and, as Acting President, he has actively engaged the Board, staff, and the wider community in generating new ideas." A native of Monterey, California, Flavin graduated cum laude from Williams College in 1977, where he studied economics, biology, and environmental studies. Widely known as a writer and speaker on energy and environmental issues, Flavin has been active in the international negotiations on climate change during the past decade. Flavin is co-author of Power Surge: Guide to the Coming Energy Revolution, and has contributed to all 17 of the Institute's annual State of the World reports. In 1992, Flavin helped found the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, and has served on its Board of Directors since then. He also serves on the Board of the American Wind Energy Association, and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences' Board on Energy and Environmental Systems and of the National Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel. As President, Flavin heads the Institute's experienced management team: Ed Ayres, Editorial Director; Richard Bell, Vice President for Communications; Barbara Fallin, Director of Finance and Administration; and Hilary French, Vice President for Research. Worldwatch is widely known for its interdisciplinary analysis, which includes ecological, social, and economic perspectives. Its work on agriculture, biological diversity, energy, population, and international economics and institutions is respected around the world. In addition to its State of the World report, the Institute publishes the annual Vital Signs report, World Watch magazine, the Worldwatch Paper series, and topical books. The Institute reaches a worldwide audience via its popular website and its global network of 160 publishing contracts in over 30 languages. The Institute's work is supported by the financial contributions of 16 private foundations, some 4,500 individual donors, and additional revenue from publications sales and other earned income. Flavin noted that the Institute's staff and Board have been working on an exciting new action plan during the past year. The new plan will include: * A focus on solutions to environmental and economic problems, including blueprints for building an environmentally sustainable global economy that meets human needs and is in balance with the natural world. * An even stronger international presence, including partnerships with non-governmental organizations in countries such as Brazil, China, and India, modeled after the Institute's successful partnerships in Europe and Japan. * An ambitious Internet strategy aimed at deploying the latest information technologies to make the Institute as trusted a source of information in cyberspace as it is in the traditional print media. Brown, 66, the Board Chairman, is one of the world's best-known environmentalists and the recipient of many awards and honorary degrees. As Chairman, he is continuing his active writing and speaking schedule, including producing frequent "Issue Alerts" that are distributed electronically to decision makers and journalists around the world. In assessing the Institute's future, Flavin said, "We have the strongest team ever assembled at Worldwatch, individuals with extraordinary talents and a deep commitment to providing the world with the ideas and information needed to forge a sustainable society. We are all excited about the opportunity to further extend the reach and effectiveness of this singular organization." -END- |
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Copyright (c) 1998 Worldwatch Institute, All Rights Reserved Published by: Worldwatch Institute, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, 202-452-1999 http://www.worldwatch.org This publication may be freely copied or retransmitted provided it remains intact and without changes. No partial display, partial retransmission, or partial duplication in any medium, including BBS, Intranet, Internet Email, or website duplication, is permitted without the attachment of this copyright notice. Any partial duplication unaccompanied by this copyright notice will be considered a copyright infringement. Worldwatch Institute
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