Dr. Radtke, 40, will begin work with Episcopal Relief and Development on July 5. He is now concluding his term as Senior Vice President for Programs at the Asia Society where he has spent 10 years as a key member of the executive team, charged with developing major program initiatives and shaping the institution’s agenda.

Dr. Radtke will succeed Sandra Swan who is retiring after serving as President of Episcopal Relief and Development for the past six years. During her tenure, Swan guided ERD in a major reorganization and in responding to crises including Hurricane Mitch; civil unrest in Kosovo; the September 11, 2001 terror attacks; and the 2004 South Asian tsunami that has prompted more than $8 million in contributions to ERD.

Dr. Radtke, whose father is an Episcopal priest, said he looks forward to being “part of leading ERD to the next level as the Episcopal Church’s voice in the field of international relief and development.” Dr. Radtke said he believes “passionately” in the work of Episcopal Relief and Development.

“I am humbled and thrilled that I have been asked to join in ERD's important work,” noted Dr. Radtke.  “I look forward to working with the wonderful board and staff at ERD as we shape its future together. Episcopalians everywhere can be proud of what ERD has achieved under Sandra's leadership and I am honored to build on her many accomplishments.”

“Rob has the ability to connect his faith with his commitment to Episcopal Relief and Development’s ministry of reaching people in need around the world,” said the Rt. Rev. Harry Bainbridge, Bishop of Idaho and Chair of ERD’s Board of Directors.

“Rob will help ERD realize its great potential as we move into new territory,” Bishop Bainbridge added.  “He is a wonderful person of faith who sees his new role as an opportunity to align his professional concerns for the poor, sick, and others in need with his faith journey.”

Under Dr. Radtke’s leadership, the New York-based Asia Society developed partnerships with United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private foundations, including the Ford Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“We are very sorry to be losing such a valuable colleague, but I feel that ERD is fortunate to have someone of Rob's talent and integrity to lead it,” said Vishakha Desai, President of the Asia Society. “We wish Rob and ERD the very best and look forward to working with Rob in his new role.”

Dr. Radtke previously was Vice President of the Business Council for the United Nations. He earned his bachelor’s degree in East Asian languages and cultures from Columbia University. He holds a doctorate in modern history from University of Oxford, which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar.

Dr. Radtke is a member of the Association of American Rhodes Scholars and the Council on Foreign Relations. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Religious Inquiry at St. Bartholomew's Church in New York City where he is an active member of the congregation.

He is married to Mary Abraham, an attorney.  The couple has an eight-year-old daughter, Eva Warren.

Dr. Radtke is a frequent contributor to the media on a broad range of topics, including HIV/AIDS in Asia and U.S.-China relations.

“We are excited about Rob’s passion, experience, and vision,” said Gilda Wray, ERD Board Member and Chair of the Search Committee. “He will uphold Episcopal Relief and Development’s mission, while guiding the organization to greater heights and new directions in international relief and development.”

“Episcopal Relief and Development is in a wonderful place right now having grown significantly in both size and capability, with multi-year programs around the world,” said ERD’s outgoing President Sandra Swan. “Rob is poised to take the organization to next level. I am confident that I am leaving Episcopal Relief and Development in extremely capable hands.”