Salvation Army chooses its national commander

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Commissioner Israel L. Gaither was chosen as The Salvation Army’s national commander for the United States Feb. 1. He was appointed by his predecessor, W. Todd Bassett. Gaither is the first black man to serve in this position. Gaither will take office May 1, and in his new role, he will operate out of the national headquarters in Alexandria, Va. Gaither’s wife, Eva, will serve as national president of women’s ministries, in accordance with Salvation Army practice. Her husband previously served as the chief of the staff of The Salvation Army, the second-highest position in the organization after the general. He was appointed in 2002.