Troy, NY - Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Nancy Benz as the organization's new Executive Director, effective January 13. Ms. Benz succeeds longtime Executive Director Judy Smith, who will retire early this year.

"We are excited to welcome Nancy Benz to LVORC at an important time for the organization," said Laura Salkowe, President of the Board. "As our new Executive Director, we believe her skills and experience will be an asset to current literacy programs as well as growing our program offerings in Albany County and beyond."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County," said Nancy Benz, Executive Director, LVORC. "The organization is poised to strengthen its vision and build on its successes over the years. I look forward to being part of the effort to bring the organization to the next level and make a positive difference for even more people who are in need of help with language and communication skills."

Ms. Benz is a seasoned non-profit professional with more than a decade of experience in New York's Capital District non-profit sector including as Vice President of Fund Development at Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson and Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region. She most recently served as Senior Director of Fund Development at the Animal Protective Foundation.
After serving for nearly a decade in the role of Executive Director, Judy Smith retired this year.

"It has been my pleasure and a gift to work with our Board, our staff, volunteers and our students over these past eight years," said Ms. Smith. "I have also become even more aware of the great need for LVORC's work in the community and the abundant generosity of our volunteers and community."

"We are grateful for Judy's leadership and all that she has done for LVORC to achieve the mission of our organization. On behalf of the Board, we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement," said Board President Salkowe.

About LVORC: More than 30 million Americans are functionally illiterate - including 3.4 million New York State residents who lack a high school diploma or its equivalent and/or do not speak English well. At LVORC, we teach people to read, write and speak English; we empower our students to be advocates for themselves; and we educate the larger community about literacy issues.

Since 1968, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has helped to build a more literate society by providing free, confidential tutoring to adults and out-of-school teens in reading, writing, and English. All of our programs are presented to learners free of charge through the generous support of the community and our sponsors.