Career
Gaither was selected for the position by General Shaw Clifton. She had been World Secretary for Women's Ministries in London since November 2002. Prior to becoming Commander in the United States, Gaither was Chief of the Staff, the second-ranking officer at Salvation Army world headquarters in London.
He had held that office since November 2002.
He had also been the first black divisional commander in the United States, with responsibility for southern New England and western Pennsylvania, and the first black territorial commander, responsible for the Eastern states. Gaither was raised a Baptist preacher"s son in New Castle, Pennsylvania.
He was the only son among five children born to the Review Israel L. Gaither, Senior and Lillian Gaither.
He took Salvation Army officer training in New York, and has led congregations in Pennsylvania and New New York
Gaither was born Eva Shue in Sidney, Ohio, one of five children born to Richard and Merle Shue, and the fifth generation of her family to become a Salvationist. Eva Gaither is white, and in 1967, interracial marriage was still illegal in many states. Gaither is the subject of a biography by Henry Gariepy which was released in late 2006.
The Gaithers were officially retired from active service as Salvation Army Officers on October 31, 2010.