Published: January 31, 2009 09:58 pm      

Former NHS grad takes top post with HOPE

GRANTSVILLE — A former Northern High School graduate has been named senior vice president for the international organization Project HOPE, which represents Health Opportunities for People Everywhere.

Stuart Myers of Millwood, Va., will oversee all aspects of Project HOPE’s global health programs, operating in more than 35 countries. He will also oversee special projects that include a partnership with the U.S. Navy and the organization’s multimillion-dollar Gifts-in-Kind program.

“It is indeed a privilege to have been chosen to lead such a dedicated group of individuals in providing health education and humanitarian assistance to those in need,” Myers said. “For 50 years, Project HOPE has been committed to making long-term sustainable improvements in health care for those in need, especially for children.

“Our staff around the world works daily to educate health professionals and community health workers, to provide medicines and supplies, to strengthen health facilities, and to fight diseases such as TB, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.”

Myers began his career with Project HOPE in 1999 as the director of budget. He has served as HOPE’s director of financial and program management, deputy to senior vice president of global health and most recently, interim senior vice president of global health.

“It is gratifying to know that our organization has been able to find the best candidate for this role internally after a thorough and competitive search, which included a strong group of candidates from our peer organizations,” John P. Howe III, M.D., president and CEO of Project HOPE, said. “Stuart’s constant support and belief in the Project HOPE mission, and his valued experience makes him a true asset to this organization.”

Prior to joining Project HOPE, Myers worked as strategy leader and mission chairman for the International Mission Board Southern Baptist Convention’s Dominican Republic mission. He also served in various financial roles at the Maryland Department of Transportation.

Myers earned a master of business administration degree in finance and operations research and a bachelor of science degree in agriculture, both from Oklahoma State University.

Myers’ wife, Bonnie, also graduated from Northern High school, and his in-laws, Neil and Kathleen Yommer, live in Grantsville.