LOS ANGELES MISSION NAMES NEW TOP EXECUTIVE

Herb Smith, former Chairman of the Board, Assumes Post

November 1, 2006 (Los Angeles, CA) --- The Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Mission has named Herb Smith president and Chief Executive Officer of the downtown organization effective today. Smith served as chairman of the Mission's Board of Directors for the past several years. He steps down from that position to lead the daily operations of the Mission in its commitment to the homeless and hurting of Skid Row.

"The board began a nationwide search for a highly-qualified leader, and found that person already in our midst," a statement from the board said. "Herb Smith has served this organization for many years in many capacities, and brings the right mix of operational and ministry experience to the position." The board will elect a new chairperson to replace Smith in the coming weeks.

Smith served as Chief Financial Officer of the Los Angeles Mission from 1997 through 2001, leaving to become chief operational officer at his home church. He joined the board of directors of the Los Angeles Mission in 2002 and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2003.

"I am deeply honored to serve the mission in this new capacity as we serve the poor and needy of Los Angeles," Smith said. "Especially so during a period of such change in the Skid Row area."

Since leaving the Mission's financial division in 2001 Smith has served as Chief Operating Officer of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach. Prior to working with the Mission, he served with Wycliffe Bible Translators and Vanguard University. In the many years he served with Wycliffe, Smith spent more than a year as a missionary in Brazil.

"These diverse experiences fostered a life long commitment to servant leadership," Smith added. "I look forward to bringing this commitment to the Mission as we continue to serve the Los Angeles community."

For nearly 60 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Skid Row, providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services. In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs including education, job training/placement, transitional housing and counseling.