Bush names new head of White House faith-based office

August 4, 2006

WASHINGTON (RNS) The White House has announced that Jay Hein, the president of an Indianapolis-based international think tank, has been chosen as the new director of the Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives.

Hein, president of the Sagamore Institute for Policy Research, will succeed Jim Towey, who left the post to become the president of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., on July 1.

"Jay has long been a leading voice for compassionate conservatism and a champion of faith and community-based organizations," President Bush said in a Thursday (Aug. 3) statement. "By joining my administration, he will help ensure that these organizations receive a warm welcome as government's partner in serving our American neighbors in need."

Hein also is vice president and chief executive officer of the Foundation for American Renewal, a charity that provides grants and other support to community-based organizations.

Prior to his leadership of the Sagamore Institute, Hein was executive director of Civil Society Programs at the Hudson Institute, now based in Washington. He previously worked as a welfare reform policy assistant to former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson.

-- Adelle M. Banks