WACC Taps Lutheran World Information Director for General Secretary

By Aaron J. Leichman , Christian Post Reporter

July 21, 2010|11:40 pm

The director and editor of the Lutheran World Federation’s news service has been selected to serve as the next general secretary of the World Association for Christian Communication.

In announcing the selection, WACC President Dennis Smith said the Rev. Karin Achtelstetter “possesses the managerial skills, knowledge, leadership experience and potential for continued professional growth needed by WACC at this time."

"Rev. Achtelstetter demonstrates a strong ability for strategic thinking, extensive experience in working effectively with constituencies from many nations and cultures, and the ability to work well with a Board of Directors and with professional staff," said Smith, noting that she "has a solid grounding in communication theory and practice as well as proven experience in fund-raising."

In addition to having served as the director and editor-in-chief of Lutheran World Information, Achtelstetter has served the World Council of Churches as a media relations officer and coordinator of its Public Information Team.

Achtelstetter also speaks four languages and holds a Masters in Theology from Friedrich-Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany, and a Master of Arts in Women's Studies from University of Kent at Canterbury in England.

In January, Achtelstetter ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria.

"Rev. Achtelstetter is a gifted, visionary leader who can bring along WACC members, staff and partners as WACC continues to develop and live out a common vision,” commented Smith. ”She will represent WACC articulately and thoughtfully before different stakeholders including the membership, governments, faith-based groups, the academy, the media and the private sector."

Established in 1968, the WACC is an ecumenical association that promotes communication for social change. With corporate and personal members in 120 countries, the WACC works with faith-based and secular partners at grassroots, regional and global levels, giving preference to the needs of the poor, marginalized and dispossessed.

According to the WACC, Achtelstetter will join the Toronto, Canada-based WACC staff on Oct. 1 and will officially take the reins as general secretary one month later on Nov. 1.

Achtelstetter has served on both WACC Europe and the WACC Board of Directors.