North Carolina Council of Churches Executive Director George Reed has announced that he will retire at the end of June, 2015. George informed the Governing Board of his decision at their regular meeting on September 9.
At the time of his retirement, George will have been Executive Director for 15 years and have been employed by the Council for 18 years.
Speaking to the Board on Tuesday, George said, “While I look forward to retirement – to spending more time in my garden/orchard/berry patch; reading entire books, not just thousands of words of journals, newsletters, legislative reports, etc.; delving back into my life-long love of classical music; and traveling a bit more, it also saddens me to think of not being directly involved with the Council, with our wonderful staff, with you on the Board, and with many other colleagues. The NC Council of Churches is a remarkable organization, and I am honored to have been associated with you.”
Under his leadership, the Council has seen extraordinary growth, adding staff and programs at a time when Councils of Churches in many other states were shrinking or closing. The Council began its Partners in Health and Wholeness Initiative, expanded its immigration program, increased its development efforts, and entered into collaborations with other state and national organizations. The four person staff has grown to ten paid staff members, three volunteer associates, and a regular contingent of interns from Duke Divinity School, Wake Forest Divinity School, Hood Theological Seminary, UNC Pembroke, and the Masters of Social Work programs at N.C. State University and UNC Chapel Hill.
Board members thanked George for his leadership and his tireless work.
“While it is hard to visualize the Council’s office without George, we are assured that his successor will inherit an excellent staff, a committed Governing Board and a wealth of information to make for a smooth transition,” said Board President Alberta Hairston. “Well done good and faithful servant. Enjoy the next phase of your life of service.”
A search committee is being formed to begin the process of selecting the Council’s next Executive Director with expectations that the work will be well underway before the end of the year. A full job description will be posted when it becomes available.
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