April 5, 2010 – Ventura, CA –- Project Understanding, a faith based Ventura social service non-profit organization announced today the appointment of its new Executive Director, Rob Orth. Mr. Orth was selected following an extensive and thorough executive search process.
“As a local nonprofit serving families and individuals in distress, Project Understanding required a combination of vision, compassion, community connection and management expertise in its leader,” said Judy Alexandre, the agency’s Board President. “Rob has just this combination. His wealth of hands-on community service experience and ability to create collaborative efforts with the faith groups, volunteers, agencies and government will be valued assets in our ongoing efforts to address the social service challenges our county faces. “
Orth’s highly diversified career portfolio includes work in the private sector and most recently, he served as Executive Director of ACTION Foundation, a faith based agency providing social service assistance to individuals, families, and homeless in Ventura County. “I was drawn to Project Understanding because of their commitment to transforming lives, lasting community involvement, and catalytic programs, “ said Orth. “The mission, the philosophy and the values of the organization are an inspiration and entirely compatible with my personal vision and direction.”
“I am very gratified at having been selected as the agency’s next Executive Director from a pool of highly qualified candidates,” added Orth. “I look forward to working with our Board of Directors, our talented staff, dedicated volunteers and community partners across the county.”
Orth has worked with a cross section of public and private sector entities to forge lasting partnerships on behalf of individuals and families who are in various forms of crisis. His non-profit career has been dedicated to advancing the cause of people with special needs, to creating programs and services that promote stability and hope in lives that have been devastated by homelessness, mental illness, job loss and many other life challenges. He has served on community boards and advisory committees and has worked with city and county leaders to help shape future social service directives.