Contact: Kristin Hansen, Care Net, 703-554-8742

LANSDOWNE, Va., Oct. 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Care Net Board of Directors has announced that Melinda Delahoyde, a lifelong servant of the organization, will follow Kurt Entsminger as interim President of Care Net. The Board has begun its formal search for a new leader. Entsminger, who announced his resignation last month, served Care Net for ten years, first as General Counsel and then as President since 2003.

"The work of Care Net has grown and flourished under the leadership of Kurt Entsminger," said Mark Joseph, Chairman of Care Net's Board of Directors. "We are deeply grateful for Kurt's years of service, and we know that he will continue to be used in mighty ways."

During Entsminger's tenure, the network of Care Net pregnancy centers has grown from 650 to over 1,100, the Option Line national call center has helped more than half a million people and new partnerships have been formed that strengthen the pregnancy center movement.

"As we enter this transition, the Board of Directors and staff are firmly committed to the mission and direction of Care Net and to furthering the growth of initiatives, resources and partnerships that will support women facing unplanned pregnancies," Joseph said.

"What a privilege to step into this role at such an exciting time for Care Net and pregnancy centers," said Delahoyde. "Care Net has a dedicated staff team who love the organization and are committed to its mission of facilitating life-affirming services and support to women through its network. I am eager to support their efforts."

Formerly Care Net's Board Chair Emeritus, Melinda Delahoyde brings with her 25 years of experience in the pro-life movement and at Care Net. She has served as Board Chairman, consultant and staff member in several capacities. She originally joined Care Net to serve as the director of special projects before becoming a member of the Board of Directors.

An accomplished writer, Melinda is author of Fighting for Life, co-editor of Infanticide and the Handicapped Newborn, and contributing author to three additional books, including one with philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer and another with publisher Thomas Nelson.

Care Net is a Christian, non-profit organization that seeks to facilitate the delivery of valuable, life-affirming, evangelistic ministry to people facing unplanned pregnancies and related sexual issues. Care Net supports the largest network of pregnancy centers in North America and operates, in conjunction with Heartbeat International, the Option Line call center and website that assists women in need 24/7.