Valley Interfaith Council elects new leader

The board of directors of Valley Interfaith Council (VIC) has selected Cambria Smith to serve as the president of VIC following Barry Smedberg's retirement on April 17. Smedberg retires after 18 years as president and executive director of VIC.

"We are confident that Cambria will be a capable and creative leader of VIC and that our staff, associates, clients and friends will be well-served by her abilities and her passion to aid others," said Earl Fagin, chairman of VIC's board of directors.

Smith received a bachelor of arts degree from Oxford University in England and a master's in religious studies from Mount St. Mary's College, Los Angeles. She has worked for more than 11 years in management and fund development in the nonprofit sector, most recently serving as assistant executive director of the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles.

"I am excited and thrilled to be chosen as the new president of VIC," Smith said. "VIC's mission to bring people of diverse faiths and backgrounds together to address community needs aligns with my personal passions for social justice and interfaith action."

VIC brings together persons and congregations of many different faiths, and also secular organizations, in interfaith action to alleviate human and social needs in the San Fernando Valley. The membership of VIC is comprised of people from the business, service and religious communities in the valley, and a network of diverse congregations.

Established in 1964, VIC operates three multi-purpose senior centers, four adult day-support centers and Meals on Wheels, and works with a coalition of 19 food pantries in the valley.

For more information, please visit www.vic-la.org.