In mid-January, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) named W. Todd Bassett, former national commander of The Salvation Army, as its executive director. The NAE said Bassett would oversee the organization’s administrative, financial and communications activities, and help develop and implement the organization’s vision and strategy. “Todd Bassett brings the highest level of leadership and experience to his new position as executive director,” said Leith Anderson, who was named NAE president after Colorado pastor Ted Haggard resigned from that position in November. “He is well known and respected among evangelicals and the broader religious community of America. I am thrilled to have him join our leadership team.” Bassett and his wife, Carol, have served as officers in The Salvation Army for more than 40 years, with Bassett serving as national commander from 2002 until last April.
