Changes in Two Positions on ReconcilingWorks’ Board of Directors

Two members of the ReconcilingWorks Board of Directors have vacated their positions, which were filled on an interim basis at the board’s meeting earlier in March.

Jeannine Janson, Yachats, Oregon, resigned from her position as Vice-Chair of Development. Her resignation signifies a retirement from many years of service on the organization’s board. She was the board’s Co-Chair from 2002 to 2008 and Vice-Chair of Development from 2011 to 2013. The Janson Distinguished Service Award was established in her honor in July 2008. She remains an active part of the development effort through phone and email contact with recent donors.

John Carter, Baltimore, Maryland, resigned for personal reasons from his position as Secretary. He continues as Convener of the Maryland Chapter of ReconcilingWorks and as a member of the Synod Council of the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the ELCA.

Both Janson and Carter were elected to their most recent positions on the board at ReconcilingWorks’ biannual assembly in July 2012 in Washington, D.C.

“We thank Jeannine and John for their service on the board and dedication to the Lutheran movement toward full inclusion,” said Emily Eastwood, ReconcilingWorks Executive Director. “Their presence on this leadership body will be missed. We are grateful for the many years that Jeannine gave to the board in various roles and for John’s continued witness in his chapter, congregation, and synod.”

The board, meeting in St. Paul, Minnesota, March 15 and 16, voted to fill the two positions for the remainder of 2013.

Taking Janson’s place as Vice-Chair of Development is Cheryl Persigehl, Minneapolis, Minnesota, who specializes in organizational development, communications, and marketing. Taking Carter’s place as Secretary is Phil Soucy, who was a board member and Director of Communications from 2005 to 2010 and again from 2011 to 2012.

“The board and staff are pleased that Cheryl and Phil were willing to step into these positions and to do it so ably,” said Eastwood. “We appreciate the fresh, outside perspective that Cheryl brings and the continuity that Phil brings as a veteran member of the board.”

Eastwood added that she is delighted to have Persigehl lend her expertise at this time because of renewed efforts by the board and staff in the area of fund raising, which will help ReconcilingWorks meet a goal to solidify and expand its presence and effectiveness in church and society.