By L.A. Williams, Correspondent
Christian Action League
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The American Council on Alcohol Problems named the Rev. Mark Creech its new president on Wednesday at the organization’s annual convention in Harrisburg, Pa. The new duties will not affect his current role as Executive Director of the Christian Action League.
“The Lord permitting, I will serve a term of two years (2012-2014), working with state organizations from across the country, promoting workable solutions for curbing the many problems associated with alcohol use and abuse,” said Dr. Creech. “My colleagues in this field have graciously expressed a great deal of confidence in my leadership.”
Joe Godfrey, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program and American Character Builders and a five-year ACAP veteran, said he is excited that Dr. Creech has been named president.
“I think Mark will continue the strong leadership we have had in the past and will provide us with some creative approaches that we can use in our efforts and work nationwide,” Godfrey said. “He has a great deal of experience in North Carolina that he brings to the table to benefit our national organization as well.”
Godfrey said he had already used Dr. Creech’s research on the negative effects of privatization of alcohol sales to help fight the trend in Alabama, which, like North Carolina, is a control state.
Dr. Dan Ireland, ACAP’s executive director, had highest praise for Creech’s “experience and involvement on the front line, working aggressively on issues.”
“Mark has the ability to relate to people, and he is very incisive and diplomatic in everything he does,” Ireland added. “He will do an excellent job as our president.”
Already having served as chairman of ACAP’s Resolution Committee and President Elect, Dr. Creech asked for prayer as he takes on this new role.
“Pray that God will give me wisdom for the task. Pray that He will give me strength for the journey. Pray that our Lord will empower me to faithfully execute each charge His providence assigns,” he said.
A longtime opponent of alcohol polices that endanger the health and well-being of the public, ACAP was the driving force in raising the drinking age to 21 and helped get an increase in the excise tax on alcoholic beverages during the first Bush Administration.
This year’s ACAP convention included passage of a number of resolutions including one in opposition to Disney’s decision to begin serving alcohol inside the Magic Kingdom, the Orlando resort’s last remaining dry theme park. Attendees also heard from a Pennsylvania State Police DUI expert and shared issues they are facing in their own states.