Mayor Nutter honors new members of Salvation Army team

Last Thursday, Mayor Nutter honored two couples that make up the new Salvation Army Leadership Team of Philadelphia during a reception at City Hall.

Lt. Colonels Donald W. and Renee P. Lance were introduced as the new divisional leaders of the Salvation Army East Pennsylvania and Delaware Division. Majors Hester E. and Robert W. Dixon were promoted to directors of operations of the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia.

As divisional leaders, the Lances will be responsible for administrative oversight of more than 53 community corps community center, 15 residential programs, and the Salvation Army Camp Ladore and conference center. They will also be responsible for all the finances and personnel that consist of 118 commissioned Salvation Army officers and more than 1,000 employees.

They are the former divisional leaders of The Salvation Army Empire State Division, which included New York’s 48 northern counties.

The Dixons were promoted to directors of operations of the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia. As directors of operations, they will be responsible for the 10 neighborhood-based community centers, including the Kroc Center in East Falls, and eight residential programs. They will also oversee the volunteers, social service programs and disaster response programs in addition to the summer camp and Christmas assistance program.

Prior to their new positions, the Dixons were the area coordinators of the Salvation Army in Buffalo, NY.

Jamie Bartolino, assistant account executive of Tierney, said the couples were promoted because of their experience and commitment to the Salvation Army.

“I believe the headquarters selected them based on the level of experience they have,” said Bartolino, 
”they really have what it takes to get the job done and they are just extremely qualified having been so involved and immersed in the Salvation Army.”

The reception was catered by The Salvation Army’s Soup On! Project, which provides culinary job training and placement to unemployed and underemployed individuals.

The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia is a faith-based organization. It provides human services through programs that assist individuals, families and communities to lead healthier, safer and more productive lives.

For additional information, visit their website at salvationarmyphiladelphia.org.