Ardyth Neill to Lead Heifer Foundation

The Heifer Foundation board of trustees said Thursday that it has appointed Ardyth Neill as president of the nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to helping end hunger and poverty through planned charitable giving.

Neill has been in the dual role of chief financial officer and interim president and CEO twice during her time at the foundation, according to Marcia Williams, chair of Heifer Foundation board of trustees.

"Having worked with Ardyth for years, I am thrilled that she has been named to and accepted this most important role at Heifer Foundation," Williams said. "She weaves her professionalism, ethics and dedication to the cause and many skills into service to the foundation.

Neill had been with Heifer since 2001.

"My goal is to strengthen our collaborative efforts, creating a solid foundation of support for families helping themselves out of the cycle of poverty," Neill said in a news release. "In doing so, we carry on the example given us by Heifer International founder, Dan West, while providing a model for future generations to build upon as we maintain a deep commitment to helping the poor, hungry and those in the margin of the world."

Heifer Foundation was established in 1991 to oversee and grow the endowment that supports Heifer International. The two are separate nonprofit charitable organizations.