ARLINGTON, Va., June 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- USO CEO & President J.D. Crouch II today announced the formation of the USO Digital Advisory Council, comprised of internationally known industry leaders with branding and digital engagement expertise, to advise the organization's efforts to become best-in-class in engaging online audiences to actively support America's troops and their families.
The Digital Advisory Council is comprised of industry leaders from the branding and digital arenas of communications, marketing, commerce and entertainment, who will come together as an advisory group for USO branding and digital engagement efforts. Members of the Council were selected for their thought leadership, industry relationships, and passion for the USO mission.
"The majority of today's active duty military are 'digital natives' age 30 and under. In order to keep pace with the rapidly evolving use of digital technologies in their lives, we have to be on the leading edge of digital innovation," said, JD Crouch II, CEO & President of the USO. "This advisory group is made of leaders who are helping to shape the future of digital engagement for the commercial and entertainment industries. We are thrilled that they are willing to advise us."
Council members will help the USO determine how best to engage key audiences in digital environments and through brand positioning. The envisioned result is an optimized digital engagement function and brand positioning, which will contribute to the USO's overall goal to establish itself as America's No. 1 military support charity.
The Council will begin meeting quarterly, and will be co-chaired by Orlan Boston, EY Global Client Service Partner & Americas Life Sciences Transactions Leader, and entertainment industry executive Debra Langford, both of whom serve on the USO Board of Governors.
"Technology has completely changed how nonprofits engage with their audiences and digital engagement is key to transforming how the USO does business and provides online services that are unique and scalable." said Boston. "This council comes with fresh ideas, exceptional talent, as well as a passion to support troops and families through the USO."
"Throughout my four years serving on USO's Board of Governors and Entertainment Advisory Council, I've seen firsthand the power of connection – especially for those troops and families far from home," said Langford. "Digital engagement is key to how Americans can create a national community of support for our troops and their families.
The Digital Advisory Council will be a critical part of USO efforts to strengthen connections with troops, families, supporters and key stakeholders. Members of the USO Digital Advisory Council include:
Co-Chairs:
Orlan Boston – Global Client Service Partner & Americas Life Sciences Transactions Leader, EY
Deb Langford – CEO & Principal, The Langford Company
Members:
Nigel Barker – CEO at Nigel Barker LLC
Lee Anne Callahan – General Manager, Parkwood Entertainment
Denise Clark – Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Estée Lauder
J.D. Crouch II – CEO & President, USO
Cyd Crouse – Chief Operating Officer, Gaiam Brands
Bran Ferren – Co-Chairman, Applied Minds
David Jensen – Global Innovation & Digital Strategy Leader, Ernst & Young
Eric Kuhn – Chief Marketing Officer, Layer3 TV
Ralph Rivera – Director, BBC Digital
Jim Sabey – Head of Worldwide Marketing, Parkwood Entertainment
Denmark West – Partner, Connectivity Capital Partners
About the USO
The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President's Circle Partners: American Airlines, AT &T, BNSF Railway, Clark Construction Group, LLC, The Coca-Cola Company, JCPenney, Jeep, Johnson & Johnson, Kroger, Northrop Grumman Corporation and TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Worldwide Strategic Partners: BAE Systems, BIC, The Boeing Company, ConAgra Foods, FedEx, GEICO, Harris Teeter, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Procter & Gamble, TKS Telepost Kabel-Service Kaiserslautern GmbH & Co. KG and Wawa Inc. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.