Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), one of the most pervasive and active ecumenical organization in the area, announces the selection of Simone Talma Flowers as its new Executive Director. “This has always been my passion – building bridges between faith communities in Austin and Central Texas,” Simone says. “It’s an exciting time!”

iACT brings together more than one hundred faith communities in the Austin area, including a wide range of faith traditions, with a mission to cultivate peace and respect, through interfaith dialogue, service and celebration.

“Simone brings her connection with Austin’s diverse faith community, her commitment to the iACT mission and her insightful leadership skills,” says Rev. Bobbi Kaye Jones, Senior Pastor of Tarrytown United Methodist Church and former District Superintendent of the Austin District UMC. “We are grateful to have her at the helm.”

The iACT leadership position became vacant in August of this year when former CEO, Tom Spencer, accepted a position with I Live Here, I Give Here, an iACT Partner organization.

“I began to think who can best replace him, and none other than the great Simone Talma Flowers came to mind,” says Sheikh Mohamed-Umer Esmail of Nueces Mosque. “I congratulate iACT on making the right decision.”

“It makes perfect sense that we would ask Simone to take over the leadership of iACT. She’s been running operations for many years,” says iACT Board President, Jim Haley. “She has the complete confidence of our clients, our staff, our board and our stakeholders, as well as their love. She’s definitely the person we need in this position.”

“iACT is at a great advantage in having Simone Talma Flowers as its new Executive Director,” says Rabbi Neil F. Blumofe, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Agudas Achim. “She genuinely cares about helping those in need and is dedicated to interfaith connections and the diverse identity of Austin.”

iACT continues its work towards interfaith connections with the upcoming 29th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service and Celebration on Sunday, November 24, 2013, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church at 7601 Burnet Road in Austin.

A native of Trinidad, Simone came to Austin to study at St. Edward’s University where she earned a BA in Psychology and an MBA in Marketing. She is married to Judge Wilford Flowers.

Simone’s career is one of public service. For the past eight years, she has been Chief Operating Officer and Interim Executive Director/CEO at iACT. Overall, Simone has excelled in the local not-for-profit sector for some 22 years.

“Everyone at the office literally jumped out of our chairs and erupted with applause,” says Jason Erick Taylor, Communications Coordinator for iACT, about when the announcement was made at the staff meeting. “She has the love and support of everyone here, and we are all thankful she’s who she is!”