The action took place in connection with the Corporation's board meeting in Jackson, Miss., where elected officials including Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, State Senator Willie Simmons, and U.S. Congressmen Chip Pickering and Ronnie Shows praised the good work national service programs are doing throughout the state.

The 15 members who serve on the bipartisan board are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The board sets policies and approves funding for national service programs engaging more than 1.5 million Americans in service to meet community needs through AmeriCorps, the National Senior Service Corps, and Learn and Serve America. Goldsmith was nominated by President Bush on April 3, and confirmed by the Senate on May 9.

"I appreciate the confidence of the board," said Goldsmith. "There is a really good team here to work with, and I look forward to leading the Corporation for National Service in helping President Bush rally the armies of compassion."

Goldsmith also serves as an advisor to President Bush on his faith-based and community initiative. Announcing Goldsmith's nomination, the President said that Goldsmith is "known as one of the most innovative mayors in America." Goldsmith served two terms as Mayor of Indianapolis, where he reduced spending, improved infrastructure and earned a national reputation for innovation. Prior to serving as Mayor, Goldsmith was Marion County District Attorney for 13 years.

"We are delighted to have an innovative leader with such close ties to the President leading our board," said Dorothy Johnson, the current board chair. "We welcome Steve's ideas and energy in helping make service the common expectation and experience of every American," Johnson said.

Also at the board meeting, leaders of a new coalition of religious and community leaders commended President Bush for his faith-based and community initiative, and announced the creation of the Mississippi Faith-Based Coalition for Community Renewal to work with the federal effort. And State Representative Erik Fleming presented the board with a resolution in support of national service passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives.

In a welcome message to the board, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott said, "The Corporation for National Service helped bring new computers to students of Nichols Middle School. It was an initiative that I hope to see repeated across the nation. Keep up the great work." Senator Thad Cochran added, "I would also like to take this opportunity to commend AmeriCorps, the National Senior Service Corps, and Learn and Serve America for jobs well done. I agree with President Bush that the programs of the Corporation for National Service have an important place in his agenda."

President Bush requested $733 million for the Corporation in fiscal 2002 to support service-learning, expand opportunities for senior service, and support 50,000 AmeriCorps members next year. For more information on the Corporation for National Service, visit www.nationalservice.org.