The Moore County Literacy Council has named its new executive director.

Susan Sherard, who moved to the Sandhills six years ago, has 25 years of experience in church development and organizational consulting. She has served on the boards of a county library, a group home, a crisis ministry and a food bank.

As founder and leader of a church in western North Carolina for 15 years, she had primary responsibility for mission, funding, staffing, developing volunteers and building relationships in the community.

Sherard began her new job with the Literacy Council Sept. 25. She replaces Connie Landis who resigned in June.

In the interim, the council's Program Director Pam Giambelluca served as acting executive director, managing ongoing activities and launching new fall programs.

"Pam increased her hours and did a simply amazing job of staying on top of everything," said Literacy Council board president Katherine Stevenson. "The Literacy Council looks forward to a bright future with this skilled leadership team."