Soles4Souls® Inc. names Les Ward as new Chief Financial Officer

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Feb 26, 2013, 09:00 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Soles4Souls Inc. , a global not-for-profit institution dedicated to fighting poverty through the distribution of shoes and clothing, announced today that it has named Les Ward as Chief Financial Officer. Ward joins Soles4Souls after serving as interim CFO since November 2012, and has more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in both the corporate and non-profit arenas.

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Previously, Ward co-founded BlackBriar Advisors LLC, a Dallas-based business renewal and acceleration firm that assisted companies in improving their business models and financial positions. Ward also was a Managing Partner in the Dallas office of Tatum LLC, where he was responsible for marketing, business development and client relations. He also served in several senior executive positions including COO and CFO with Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), a non-profit organization committed to developing better leaders through education and idea exchange. While there, Ward spearheaded the merger with World Presidents' Organization, making YPO the largest chief executive network in the world with more than 20,000 members in more than 100 countries.

"In the short time he has been here, Les already contributed enormously toward improving the effectiveness and transparency of our complex operational, supply and financial management systems," said Soles4Souls Chief Executive Officer Buddy Teaster. "Les has taken a company public and been the CEO of a public company so he understands the high standards we're holding ourselves to when it comes to good governance, reporting and getting results. We are thrilled to add his experience and dedication to excellence to Soles4Souls outstanding executive leadership team."

Ward graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He is a member of the Association of Corporate Growth and the Commercial Finance Association.

About Soles4Souls

Soles4Souls is a global not-for-profit institution dedicated to fighting the devastating impact and perpetuation of poverty. The organization advances its anti-poverty mission by collecting new and used shoes and clothes from individuals, schools, faith-based institutions, civic organizations and corporate partners, then distributing those shoes and clothes both via direct donations to people in need and by provisioning qualified micro-enterprise programs designed to create jobs in poor and disadvantaged communities. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Soles4Souls is committed to the highest standards of operating and governance, and holds a four-star rating with Charity Navigator. Please visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.

SOURCE Soles4Souls