SEATTLE - Following a national search, David Eller has been appointed to the top leadership post of the international relief and development agency World Concern, headquartered in Seattle.

As Vice President of World Concern, Eller, 46, will oversee humanitarian programs serving more than five million people in 32 countries. The Christian nonprofit has 1,000 employees worldwide.

"Dave is highly respected here and overseas for his knowledge and experience, his heart for those he serves, his commitment to Christ and his integration of faith into his work," said Robert Lonac, president of CRISTA Ministries, of which World Concern is a part.

Eller has held key positions at World Concern, both in Africa and the United States, in HIV/AIDS prevention, disaster response, microfinance, community development and orphan care.

"World Concern has a great history of reaching the poor in the world's most difficult places." said Eller. "I am excited about the opportunity to expand our impact."

With a background in business and management, Eller joined World Concern in Africa in 2001 to lead programs in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Haiti and Zambia. He returned to Seattle in 2005 and was promoted to International Operations Director, and has served as interim vice president since the resignation of Paul Kennel in January.

World Concern's mission is to provide life, opportunity and hope to suffering people around the world. We work closely with the communities we serve to eliminate core causes of poverty, with an emphasis on livelihood training, literacy and education; access to clean water, food and health care; and disaster assistance. Founded in 1955, we are one of nine ministries in the CRISTA family.