Unitus Names Eliza Linford Kelly Vice President of Global Communications

SEATTLE, March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of the organization's ongoing efforts to alleviate global poverty through microfinance, Unitus is proud to announce that Eliza Linford Kelly has been named Vice President, Global Communications.  

This promotion will see her assume responsibility for crafting Unitus's global marketing strategy, as well as providing insightful thought leadership on issues pertinent to the growth of inclusive financial services for the world's working poor. Kelly will manage a professional communications team spread across the organization's offices in Seattle, Bangalore, and Nairobi to see that the organization's goals are realized.

"We're thrilled with all Eliza has accomplished since joining Unitus and are very excited to see what she can do in her new role," said Unitus President Ed Bland. "We find ourselves at a crucial moment in the fight against global poverty, and ensuring that the goal is never far from public view is essential."  

Kelly has also recently been chosen to join a new microfinance industry task force dedicated to promoting the accomplishments and potential of microfinance for the poor.  

"I've always believed in the work Unitus does and the impact it has on the lives of the poor, and I'm very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it," said Kelly. "Microfinance is moving into some exciting new places and I'm very confident Unitus is in the unique position to lead that movement."

A graduate of the University of Washington, Kelly has an extensive background in marketing including a decade with Cobalt, where she served most recently as Director of Marketing Communications. Prior to Cobalt, she worked for the Pacific Science Center as part of the team that raised $29 million to build The Boeing IMAX® Theater. She is a member in good standing of the American Marketing Association's Puget Sound Chapter.

About Unitus: Unitus, an international nonprofit organization, fights global poverty by accelerating the growth of microfinance -- small loans and other financial tools for self-empowerment -- where it is needed most. We seek out and partner with young, high-potential microfinance institutions (small banking organizations that serve the poor, often called MFIs), helping them build capacity, attract capital, and unite with our network to achieve rapid, sustainable growth.

Nearly half the world's population survives on less than $2 a day. For millions of families in need, microfinance offers the hope for a successful small business and more: increased economic stability, better healthcare and housing, the opportunity for education, and ultimately, the real possibility of self-sufficiency. In just eight years, we've helped our partners serve more than 10 million families throughout India and Southeast Asia, East Africa, Mexico, and South America.

Unitus is a 501(c)3 with offices in Seattle, USA; Bangalore, India; and Nairobi, Kenya. For more information, please visit www.unitus.com

SOURCE Unitus