The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) has named Christopher Ryan More as successor to current executive director David Sheppard.
Sheppard retires on August 1, 2012 after 17 years in the position.
"I am very excited and pleased with the choice made by the board's Search Committee and the thorough process undertaken to fill the position," says David Sheppard. "The time is right for new blood, new ideas and that 'fire in the belly' needed to take DIFFA into a bright new future."
Currently, More is the US Fundraising Director for the International AIDS Society which organizes the bi-annual conference around the world and is attended by more than 2000 delegates representing hundreds of AIDS Service, Research and Advocacy organizations worldwide.
More brings to DIFFA more than 10 years of management experience in culturally diverse settings; over 10 years business development, fundraising, marketing and communications experience; a proven track record in managing budgets and nine years experience in the non-profit arena.
More also has significant and demonstrated experience in working with boards of directors and volunteers.
Prior to his role for the upcoming International AIDS Conference AIDS 2012 in Washington, DC, More was the associate director for the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill and director of marketing, sponsorships and partnerships for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
More holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration and International Marketing from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn. and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario Canada.
More began his transition with current executive director, David Sheppard on July 9 and will officially begin his role as DIFFA's Executive Director on August 1, 2012.