I am pleased to advise that, following extensive consultation with senior Army leaders, both here at International Headquarters and further afield, I have decided to appoint Commissioners Barry and Sue Swanson respectively as Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women's Ministries. These appointments are effective from Saturday 1 May 2010. Commissioners Swanson are officers of the USA Central Territory, currently serving as territorial leaders of that territory.

Commissioner Barry Swanson takes up his appointment as Chief of the Staff in succession to Commissioner Robin Dunster who, at the time of her retirement in May 2010, will have served as Chief of the Staff for four years, and as a Salvation Army officer for forty years. Tribute will be paid to the commissioner's service in separate correspondence.

Commissioner Sue Swanson takes up her responsibilities as World Secretary for Women's Ministries in succession to Commissioner Lyn Pearce, who will enter retirement. We thank Commissioner Pearce for her valuable contribution to the work of the Army's women's ministries, and a more detailed expression of thanks will be recorded in separate correspondence.

Commissioners Barry and Sue Swanson became officers in 1978 and served in corps and divisional appointments in their home territory for the next twenty-one years until, in 1999, they were appointed to lead the work of the programme department at territorial headquarters. Four years later they became Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries in the USA Central Territory - followed, in 2006, by appointment to National Headquarters as National Chief Secretary and National Secretary for Women's Ministries. In 2007 Commissioners Swanson came to International Headquarters as International Secretary and Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries, the Americas and Caribbean zone, prior to being appointed to their present responsibilities as territorial leaders in the USA Central Territory.

Commissioners Swanson return to IHQ with a commendable record of commitment to Salvation Army service and ministry, and I believe their contribution on the international scene will enrich the Army world and thereby the cause of Christ.

May God bless the Chief of the Staff-designate and Commissioner Sue Swanson.

Shaw Clifton
General