Darkness to Light, a nonprofit organization based in Charleston, S.C., has announced that Newtown resident Herb Jansen, former partner and global director of human capital (retired) at Ernst & Young, has been appointed to its board of directors. Founded in 2000, Darkness to Light (D2L) is committed to empowering people to prevent child sexual abuse.

Splitting his time between his home in Connecticut and Kiawah Island, S.C., Mr Jansen is one of three board members added in the last year who are local Charleston residents, demonstrating D2L's deep commitment to the low country of South Carolina where the organization was founded in 2000.

"Herb brings a wealth of global, financial, and operational experience that will position Darkness to Light for further growth," said board Chair David Repinski. "I am thrilled to welcome him to the board and look forward to working with him."

Having an extensive background in executive management, including strategy development, execution, and management of operations including corporate taxation, compensation, and benefits, Mr Jansen brings to D2L unique insight on developing and managing an international organization.

"With our network of over 8,000 training facilitators and with a presence in over 18 countries, Darkness to Light continues to grow and Herb's skills and extensive experience positions us to meet our goals for expansion," said board member and Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Haviland. "His specific background in finance and taxation provides a skill set that complements our diversely talented board of directors."

Prior to Ernst & Young, Mr Jansen was a leader at Arthur Anderson for more than 20 years, responsible for the Northeast area tax practice. He was also member of the US tax leadership team and the Chairman's Advisory Committee.

He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in accounting from the University of Tennessee, and has served other nonprofit organizations such as Montessori schools and Junior Achievement.

He was a sergeant in the United States Army and is a highly decorated Vietnam veteran. Mr Jansen and his wife Anne spend most of their time traveling and visiting with their children and grandchildren.

"I have been looking for a new challenge where I can provide a meaningful contribution to an important cause, and Darkness to Light is the perfect place for me. I am very excited about working with such a talented group of board members," said Mr Jansen.

Through its Stewards of Children program, Darkness to Light has trained more than one million adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Available in 17 countries and taught by a network of more than 8,000 volunteer facilitators, it is the largest program of its kind in the world.