AmeriCares CEO to step down

After 11 years as AmeriCares CEO, Curt Welling announced April 16 plans to leave his position. An international search will begin to fill the position within the next few weeks.

“Over the past 11 years we have focused on our mission to help many more people live longer, healthier lives and I am proud to say that we have accomplished this in an effective, efficient manner,” Welling said in a press release.

AmeriCares, based in Stamford, is a is a nonprofit global health and disaster relief organization. Since founded in 1982, it’s distributed more than $11 billion in humanitarian aid to 164 countries. The United States receives the most assistance. In 2012, when Hurricane Sandy hit, the nation received $153 million in aid.

Welling said he’s been discussing his departure with the board of directors for roughly a year. He has not announced his future plans.

“When the day is done, it”™s all about the individuals whose lives we touch,” Welling said. “I have just returned from Japan where I visited with survivors of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and saw firsthand how our assistance continues to help in their recovery. I will carry their spirit of resilience and hope with me always.”