UUSC Names Schulz as Interim President/CEO

Schulz speaking at the Unitarian Church in Westport, Conn. (Photo by David Vita)

The Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee has appointed former board chair and prominent human-rights activist Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz to serve as interim president and CEO while the organization conducts a search process to replace former President Charlie Clements.

Schulz, former executive director of Amnesty International USA and former president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, begins his new duties Monday, March 15. He will serve on a part-time basis until a new permanent president is selected. He said he will not be a candidate for the permanent position.

"UUSC is assured of strong leadership during this time of transition," said Board Chair John Gibbons. "We are delighted that Bill Schulz, who brings extensive experience with and passion for our human-rights mission, has agreed to lead the management team."

Gibbons said Constance Kane, vice president and COO, will lead day-to-day operations, while Schulz will focus primarily, though not exclusively, on providing public representation of UUSC.

Clements, who served for six and a half years as UUSC's president and CEO, resigned last month to take the position of executive director of Harvard University's Carr Center for Human Rights Policy.

Schulz served for six years as a member of UUSC's Board of Trustees, including three years as board chair. He also served for 12 years as executive director of Amnesty International USA, until spring of 2006.

An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, Rev. Schulz served as president of the Unitarian Universalist Association from 1985 to 1993. He is a widely sought public speaker and has appeared frequently on radio and television news and analysis shows. He is the author of several books, including In Our Own Best Interest: How Defending Human Rights Benefits Us All and Tainted Legacy: 9/11 and the Ruin of Human Rights.

A graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio, Rev. Schulz received a master's degree in philosophy from the University of Chicago and a doctor of ministry degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School at the University of Chicago. He has also been awarded seven honorary degrees.