Church World Service Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Church World Service has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational oversight, administrative coordination, financial management, and organizational legacy.

Committed to addressing global hunger and displacement, Church World Service advances sustainable community development through faith-based humanitarian action and disaster response initiatives.

Leadership Roles at Church World Service

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Richard Santos
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP - Joanne Rendall
  • Chief Operating Officer - Katherine Rehberg
  • President Emeritus - John McCullough
  • Chief of Staff - Carleen Miller
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Laura Curkendall
  • Deputy Director - Durre Sharif
  • Richard Santos - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Richard Santos, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Church World Service, directs the overarching strategic vision for global humanitarian relief. Santos manages the organization's response to hunger, poverty, and displacement by aligning mission-driven goals with sustainable development practices. By engaging with international partners and stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the efficacy of disaster response programs across diverse regions. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of organizational impact to maintain alignment with the core mission of supporting vulnerable communities. Richard Santos drives the long-term growth of the organization while fostering a culture of accountability and service. Through rigorous oversight of global operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary to address complex humanitarian challenges. Ultimately, Santos maintains the integrity of the organization's faith-based mandate while expanding the reach of critical aid programs in high-need areas.

    Joanne Rendall - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Joanne Rendall, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Church World Service, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Rendall oversees the allocation of funds to support global programs addressing hunger, poverty, and disaster relief. By implementing robust financial controls and reporting systems, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP ensures transparency and accountability in the use of donor contributions. This role involves long-term financial planning to secure the resources required for sustained humanitarian impact. Joanne Rendall drives fiscal discipline across all departments, ensuring that operational costs remain aligned with the organization's mission-driven goals. Through the management of financial risk and investment strategies, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP supports the stability of international operations. Rendall maintains a focus on financial sustainability, ensuring that the organization possesses the capacity to respond effectively to emerging humanitarian needs.
    Joanne Rendall

    Katherine Rehberg - Chief Operating Officer

    Katherine Rehberg, the Chief Operating Officer at Church World Service, directs the daily operational activities that sustain the organization's global humanitarian footprint. Rehberg manages the logistics of disaster response and community development programs, ensuring that aid reaches populations in need with maximum efficiency. By optimizing supply chains and field operations, the Chief Operating Officer supports the delivery of essential services to communities facing poverty and displacement. This role involves rigorous oversight of operational budgets and infrastructure to maintain the scalability of relief efforts. Katherine Rehberg drives continuous improvement in service delivery models, ensuring that all programs align with the organization's faith-based mission. Through the coordination of regional operations, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources are deployed effectively to address urgent humanitarian crises. Rehberg maintains a focus on operational excellence, securing the stability of programs that combat hunger and systemic inequality.
    Katherine Rehberg

    John McCullough - President Emeritus

    John McCullough, the President Emeritus at Church World Service, provides strategic guidance and historical context to the current leadership team. McCullough leverages extensive experience in humanitarian relief to advise on long-term initiatives addressing hunger, poverty, and displacement. By fostering relationships with key partners and stakeholders, the President Emeritus supports the organization's ongoing commitment to faith-based service. This role involves mentoring current leaders and ensuring the continuity of the organization's core values and mission. John McCullough drives the preservation of the organization's legacy while encouraging innovation in current disaster response strategies. Through the provision of institutional knowledge, the President Emeritus assists in navigating complex global challenges. McCullough maintains a focus on the long-term impact of the organization's work, ensuring that the foundational principles of service and community support remain central to all future humanitarian efforts.
    John McCullough

    Carleen Miller - Chief of Staff

    Carleen Miller, the Chief of Staff at Church World Service, architects the internal administrative framework that supports executive decision-making and organizational alignment. Miller manages the flow of information between the leadership team and the broader staff to ensure consistent execution of the mission. By overseeing special projects and strategic initiatives, the Chief of Staff facilitates the integration of departmental goals with the organization's overarching humanitarian objectives. This role involves coordinating board communications and managing high-level priorities to optimize executive productivity. Carleen Miller drives organizational cohesion by fostering collaboration across diverse functional areas. Through the management of internal governance and operational workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that resources remain focused on addressing hunger, poverty, and displacement. Miller maintains a clear view of the organizational landscape, providing the necessary support to sustain the effectiveness of global relief efforts.

    Laura Curkendall - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Laura Curkendall, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Church World Service, supports the executive office in managing organizational priorities and administrative functions. Curkendall coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure that the organization's mission of addressing hunger and displacement remains the primary focus of daily operations. By facilitating communication between leadership and staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff promotes alignment on strategic goals and operational standards. This role involves managing complex projects that require integration across multiple functional areas. Laura Curkendall drives efficiency by refining internal processes and supporting the execution of executive directives. Through the oversight of administrative workflows, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the leadership team remains focused on high-impact humanitarian outcomes. Curkendall maintains a clear understanding of the organization's operational needs, providing the necessary support to sustain the effectiveness of global relief programs.

    Durre Sharif - Deputy Director

    Durre Sharif, the Deputy Director at Church World Service, manages the tactical execution of humanitarian programs focused on poverty alleviation and community resilience. Sharif coordinates cross-functional teams to implement sustainable solutions for displaced populations across various international territories. By monitoring program performance metrics, the Deputy Director ensures that field operations meet established quality standards and humanitarian objectives. This role requires close collaboration with regional leads to optimize resource allocation and improve service delivery in disaster-affected zones. Durre Sharif drives operational efficiency by streamlining internal processes and fostering communication between departments. Through the implementation of strategic initiatives, the Deputy Director supports the broader mission of addressing systemic hunger and displacement. Sharif maintains a focus on long-term community impact, ensuring that all programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of the populations served by the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Church World Service Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Church World Service?
    Church World Service is led by Richard Santos (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joanne Rendall (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP) and Katherine Rehberg (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Church World Service’s executive team?
    The executive team of Church World Service includes leaders such as Richard Santos (President & Chief Executive Officer), Joanne Rendall (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP), Katherine Rehberg (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Church World Service have?
    Church World Service has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Church World Service’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Church World Service includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Chief Operating Officer, President Emeritus, Chief of Staff.