“Mike’s passion and personal sacrifice have been demonstrated through his tireless efforts as our board member as he engaged his own Knoxville community in our work,” says Jena Nardella, Executive Director of Blood:Water Mission. “Over the last 7 years, we have been working alongside more than 1000 communities in Africa to provide safe water as well as access to education, treatment and care for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Mike’s high level of character and commitment will enable us to build on the work that has already been accomplished and further engage the hundreds of thousands globally that have been a part of the impact.

Hamilton joins Blood:Water Mission after nearly 20 years at the University of Tennessee, where he spent the past 8 years as Athletic Director. During his tenure, he more than tripled the fundraising revenue as well as created one of only 14 self-sustaining athletic departments in the country, providing an additional nearly $10 million annually in direct cash support for the university.

“This has been a great journey and the stories to be told are impactful and, in our case, life changing,” says Hamilton upon joining the organization. “We believe strongly in the work that Blood:Water is doing and have seen the effects of the crisis in a real, personal way in the story of our lives. We’re looking forward to this next step."

“Mike will bring significant experience to our organization at an optimal time,” says Rich Hoops, Board Chair. “His proven track record in cultivating relationships and leading campaigns to support large scale initiatives will enable us to strengthen our engagement with our US audience and, in turn, provide our current and future domestic supporters with even greater opportunity to impact communities in Africa.”

Hamilton and his wife, Beth, have five adopted children. Three were adopted from Ethiopia. He serves on the President’s Advisory Council of Bethany Christian Services and board of Show Hope and has served as chair of the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and the 2010 United Way of Greater Knoxville campaign.

About Blood:Water Mission:
Blood:Water Mission is a non-profit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, established to empower communities to work against the HIV/AIDS and water crises in sub-Saharan Africa through creative grassroots efforts.

Founded by multi-platinum GRAMMY® Award winning band, Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission began in 2005 as a call to personalize the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. After funding a late stage AIDS hospice and discovering the vital link between living with HIV/AIDS and the need for clean, safe water, Blood:Water launched nation-wide effort to provide clean water and sanitation to 1000 communities in sub-Saharan Africa based on the equation that $1 provides one African with clean water for an entire year.

Since its launch, Blood:Water has raised millions of dollars through the creative efforts of hundreds of thousands of individuals seeking to make a difference, providing for the completion of the 1000 Wells Project at the end of 2010. To date, Blood:Water has partnered with more than 1,000 communities in Africa, providing life-saving water for over 600,000 people in 11 different countries and access to HIV/AIDS education, treatment and support for over 30,000 people. For more information and to get involved, visit www.bloodwatermission.com or follow on twitter, @bloodwater.

For more info on Jars of Clay visit the JFH Artists Database.

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