SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Civic Ventures president John Gomperts will step into a new role on June 1, 2010, as the leader of AmeriCorps under President Obama and Patrick Corvington, the new head of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Gomperts brings leadership and expertise in national service, education, public policy and a deep understanding of the critical role experienced adults play in strengthening our communities.

“John Gomperts has a rare combination of experience in public policy, education, leadership and national service. We are extremely grateful for the vision and leadership he brought to Civic Ventures and his role in bringing Experience Corps and encore careers to national attention,” said Civic Ventures CEO and founder Marc Freedman. “His new position as head of AmeriCorps is a win for national service, for the idea of service across the life span and for nonprofits in need of new talent.”

As CEO of Experience Corps and then as president, chief strategist and public policy director for Civic Ventures, Gomperts has been key to many of Civic Ventures’ successes, including:

• Experience Corps’ reputation for excellence and impact. Experience Corps mobilizes people over 55 as tutors and mentors in urban public schools. Gomperts’ leadership led to its national expansion and ultimately to its evolvement into an independent organization.
• Inclusion of Encore Fellowships in the Serve America Act. Fellowships are paid yearlong assignments at local nonprofits for experienced adults who bring high-level skills to community issues. Piloted first in California’s Silicon Valley, Gomperts helped get the one-of-a-kind program off the ground and steered its inclusion in the Serve America Act.
• AmeriCorps opportunities for adults over 55. Along with Encore Fellowships, Gomperts’ advocacy led to 10 percent of AmeriCorps positions being set aside for adults over 55, which in turn opens more doors to those transitioning into encore careers.

“John Gomperts’ transition into AmeriCorps underscores the importance of a multigenerational approach that taps the talents of all Americans to solve deep-rooted, persistent social problems,” explained Freedman. “In many ways, our country is at a crossroad, and we need big ideas -- and big thinkers -- to put us on the right path. Gomperts will be an invaluable leader in making national service a centerpiece of American life for individuals of all ages.”

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About Civic Ventures
Civic Ventures is a think tank on boomers, work and social purpose.
Learn more: www.encore.org