[ACNS] A leading US lawyer, Daniel McNeel Lane Jr (Neel), has been appointed as the new chair of the Board of Directors of the Episcopal Church in America’s development agency, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD). The agency works with more than three million people in nearly 40 countries worldwide to overcome poverty, hunger and disease.

ERD, which this year is celebrating its 75th anniversary, works with Anglican Communion and ecumenical partners to help communities rebuild after disasters and to develop long-term strategies to create a thriving future.

The new chair has been on the board of ERD since 2011 and his new appointment was made by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Revd Michael Curry.

“I am inspired by Neel’s commitment to strengthening Episcopal Relief & Development and equipping the organization’s staff and partners for deeper ministry,” Presiding Bishop Curry said. “I look forward to continuing our service on the Board together in our new capacities, as we strive to envision how the organization is called to faithfully partner with communities around the world to leverage their unique gifts to fight poverty and disease.”

Lane is the partner-in-charge of the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld’s San Antonio office. His pro bono work focuses on social issues, including cases on the death penalty, marriage equality and restrictions on payday lending practices that impact the working poor.

He has been named as one of three finalists for “Lawyer of the Year” by Texas Lawyer, has been named an Outstanding Lawyer for 2015 by the San Antonio Business Journal, and has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America for each of the past seven years in a row.

“I am humbled and honoured to be asked to serve in this way, for an organization that truly goes beyond the end of the road to empower people to improve their own lives,” Lane said. “I will use whatever gifts I have to advance this mission and build up Episcopal Relief & Development as a top-level organization, so that the methodologies and expertise being honed here can benefit communities around the globe.”

In addition to his involvement with Episcopal Relief & Development, Lane has also chaired the board of Good Samaritan Community Services, an agency of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, and served with Texas Appleseed, an agency that promotes social and economic justice for all Texans.

ERD’s president, Rob Radtke, welcomed the appointment: “In his work and through his involvement with Episcopal Church and local organizations, Neel has distinguished himself in service to those who are marginalized, whose rights are ignored or whose dignity is not upheld and respected. His passion for justice and compassion for others make him an invaluable member of our Board of Directors, and his leadership and expertise will make him an outstanding Chair.”