Contact: Kristin Hansen, Care Net, 703-554-8742

LANSDOWNE, Va., May 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- After an extensive nationwide search yielding many qualified candidates, the Care Net Board of Directors has announced that Melinda Delahoyde, a lifelong servant of the organization, has been appointed to be the next president of Care Net.

"Some people who serve in an 'interim' role decide to keep things status quo, but not Melinda," said Care Net Board Chair Mark Joseph of Delahoyde's service as interim Care Net president since October 2007. "Because of her leadership, the organization has grown significantly in just a short amount of time. She's not only a gifted leader, but the right leader for the next season of Care Net and the pregnancy center movement."

Delahoyde is equipped with 25 years of experience in the pro-life movement and at Care Net. She has served in various capacities since Care Net's inception, including as Board Chairman from 2003-2006, consultant and director of special projects. Prior to her involvement with Care Net, Delahoyde led the educational outreach for Americans United for Life.

"While I have always loved Care Net, its mission has captivated my heart in a new way," said Delahoyde. "My desire is to come alongside and support the amazing people who serve in pregnancy centers so that their work will continue to flourish." Melinda delivered a video address to Care Net's 1,100 affiliates across North America in which she praised the dedication of pregnancy center staff and volunteers and shared her vision for Care Net.

An accomplished writer, Melinda Delahoyde is author of Fighting for Life (Crossway Books, 1984), co-editor of Infanticide and the Handicapped Newborn (Brigham Young University Press, 1982) and contributing author to three additional books, including one with Christian philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer and another with top publisher Thomas Nelson. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and received a Masters of Arts in Philosophy of Religion from Trinity Divinity School.

Care Net is a Christian, non-profit organization that seeks to facilitate the delivery of valuable, life-affirming, evangelistic ministry to people facing unplanned pregnancies and related sexual issues. Care Net supports a network of 1,100 pregnancy centers in North America and operates, in conjunction with Heartbeat International, the Option Line call center and website that assists women in need 24/7.