Contact: Susan Soonkeum Cox, Vice President, Policy & External Affairs, Holt International, 541-687-2202, susanc@holtinternational.org

EUGENE, Ore., May 3, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Holt International Children's Services, the oldest and leading intercountry adoption and child welfare agency in the U.S., announced today that Phillip Littleton has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Following a national search, the Holt Board of Directors concluded that Littleton "is the right person to lead Holt into a future that is challenging and uncertain regarding adoption and child welfare," said Board Chair Jeffrey Saddington. "Phil has demonstrated an ability to deliver consistently outstanding performance in every major assignment he has undertaken at Holt, and we have complete confidence that his expertise in program development and marketing will allow Holt to continue to build on its unparalleled story of service to children globally."

"I am deeply honored to lead this incredible organization," said Littleton. "More than fifty years ago, when Harry and Bertha Holt adopted their eight children from Korea, no one could have predicted that decades later the needs of children are as urgent as they have ever been. I follow in the footsteps of truly dedicated and exceptional leaders, and I am humbled by this responsibility."

Littleton served as Senior Vice President prior to being named the interim CEO last October. Before coming to Holt in 2003, Littleton worked for Russ Reid, the world's largest marketing and communications agency exclusively serving nonprofit organizations.

In addition to his professional background in marketing, development and nonprofit management, Littleton and his wife Julene are the adoptive parents of three children.

About Holt International: Founded in 1956, Holt International is dedicated to finding permanent, loving families for orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children. Holt is recognized as a leader in child welfare and permanency planning, providing services and advocating for the best interest of children, while always upholding the highest ethical practices. Learn more about Holt at www.holtinternational.org.