Points Of Light Executives to Lead Washington Times, Child Advocacy Group

By Sara Grosvenor

Bill Bentley

Two executives of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network are leaving the organization on March 2, 2007, to accept top management positions in publishing and child advocacy. Tom McDevitt, senior vice president for marketing, communications and recognition, is departing to become president of The Washington Times. William H. (Bill) Bentley, executive vice president and chief operating officer, is leaving to become president and chief executive officer of Voices for America’s Children, a national child advocacy organization.

“For six and a half years, Bill has been my partner in the management and oversight of the Foundation,” says Robert K. Goodwin, president & CEO of the Foundation and the Network. “His conscientiousness, professionalism, passion for the mission and focus on the work of the organization has been a steady and effective force that will be greatly missed.”

Tom McDevitt

Regarding Tom McDevitt, Goodwin said that “Tom has made a tremendous contribution to the Foundation. The combination of his expert knowledge in the communications arena with his leadership effectiveness will not only be sorely missed here, but will help to ensure his success in his new responsibility at the Times. We look forward to continuing our partnership activities with this important media institution.”

Before joining the Foundation in August 2000, Bentley was on the senior management team of the Corporation for National and Community Service, serving as the director of evaluation and effective practices. During his three and a half years with the Corporation, Bentley was responsible for the development and implementation of the Corporation’s evaluation, leadership development, technical assistance and training efforts nationally.

McDevitt came to the Foundation in October 2005 from his position as vice president of The Washington Times and special assistant to the president, directing corporate, community and media relations, and a variety of strategic initiatives. He also has served the organization as board member, marketing director for The Times, general manager for The Times magazine division and business director for The Times National Weekly Edition. In his new role as president, McDevitt will focus on strengthening the national brand of the organization, enhancing the digital arena of the news service and boosting the company’s social responsibility efforts.

Previously, Bentley was the executive director of the Florida Governor’s Commission on National and Community Service. He began his career in Miami as a juvenile probation officer with the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and later became assistant deputy secretary for program planning and operations. Bentley also has a wealth of experience directing private nonprofit and governmental organizations. Bentley was elected to the board of trustees of the CampFire USA and Volunteer Jacksonville in 2001, American Humanics in 2004, the Joint Agencies Trust in 2005 and National Safe Place in 2006.

Bentley received his undergraduate degree in education from Florida State University and his master’s degree from Florida State University’s School of Social Work. Bentley and his wife reside in Silver Spring, Md., and have two adult daughters. McDevitt earned his bachelor of arts degree in government and management from the University of Maryland. He lives in Fairfax, Va., and has five sons.