UN Highlights
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE UU-UNO
After a thoughtful and careful review of applicants, the Search Committee of the UU-UNO presented its choices to the Executive Committee for a final decision. We are happy to say that the position has been offered to Mr. Bruce Knotts who will begin on January 1, 2008. Bruce brings an extensive background in international relations to this position and is eager to apply his experience to the challenge of the Executive Director.
Having earned his Bachelor's degree at Pepperdine University in history, Bruce expanded his education by attending the Monterey International Institute of International Relations for a Master's degree. The following year, he taught ESL in Modesto, California before going to Mogadishu, Somalia to set up an ESL program at the Somali Institute of Development, Administration and Management.
In one week ,in 1984, Bruce was invited to join the PhD program in TESOL at the University of Pennsylvania and he was also invited to become a U.S. diplomat with the Department of State. Bruce chose the diplomatic career. He served as an American diplomat in Greece, Zambia, India, Pakistan, Kenya, Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, and the Gambia. He also went on shorter diplomatic missions to Guatemala, Belize, Nepal, Egypt, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, France, Belgium, Germany, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea (Conakry), Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. Within the Department of State he served as a Desk Officer in the Office of Central American Affairs, Deputy Office Director in the Office of Directives Management and as the Senior Management Officer in the Office of International Conferences.
Bruce retired from the Foreign Service in March 2007 to become the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Prince George's County. Bruce is also the Public Policy Co-Chair on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Association of Adult Community and Continuing Education (MAACCE). He routinely informs state and local law makers on the need to adequately fund adult education programs. He has served on a Grants Evaluation Committee for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and also addressed the MSDE advisory board on successes at the Literacy Council.
A fascination with other cultures, languages and religions led Bruce to study Greek, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, German, Amharic and French. He has also studied several Christian denominations, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. His broad religious studies led him to All Souls Unitarian Church in Washington, D.C. where he is an active member. Bruce has firsthand experience with several European, South Asian and African cultures. He enjoys good food, dance, theater, music, art, politics, movies and books.
Bruce married his partner, Isaac Humphrie, in Canada, which enjoys marriage equality, in August 2006. Isaac is a native of Dallas, Texas and works as an event planner. Isaac's 82-year old grandmother, Louie-Mae Humphrie, is a frequent visitor to the couple's home. Bruce and Isaac often return to Dallas for family gatherings. This loving couple began their relationship in 2004.
As Bruce says, Working for the UU-UNO is for me, the right work, in the right place, with and for the right people. Please extend a warm welcome to our new Executive Director.
Thanks to the Search Committee and to all of you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Mehr
President, Board of Directors