Church World Service Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Church World Service has 8 executives leading key functions including strategic leadership, operational management, administrative coordination, financial oversight, and organizational legacy.

Driven by a commitment to global humanitarian aid, Church World Service empowers vulnerable communities through sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, and displacement while fostering long-term resilience across international borders.

Leadership Roles at Church World Service

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Rick S.
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Richard Santos
  • Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP - Joanne Rendall
  • Chief Operating Officer - Katherine Rehberg
  • President Emeritus - John McCullough
  • President - Nana Quophy
  • Chief of Staff - Carleen Miller
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Laura Curkendall
  • Rick S. - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Rick S., the President & Chief Executive Officer at Church World Service, directs the overarching mission to combat global hunger and displacement. This executive leadership role involves setting the strategic vision for faith-based humanitarian responses across diverse international regions. By aligning organizational resources with urgent disaster relief needs, Rick S. ensures that the mission remains focused on sustainable poverty reduction. The President & Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to maintain institutional integrity while expanding the reach of programs into new territories. Through rigorous oversight of global partnerships, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the efficacy of aid delivery systems. This leadership position demands constant adaptation to shifting geopolitical landscapes, ensuring that the organization maintains a robust presence in areas experiencing extreme humanitarian crises. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of the organization through disciplined resource allocation and mission-driven advocacy.

    Richard Santos - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Richard Santos, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Church World Service, manages the operational execution of large-scale humanitarian initiatives. This role focuses on scaling sustainable development programs that address systemic poverty and displacement. Richard Santos architects complex frameworks for disaster response, ensuring that aid reaches marginalized populations with maximum efficiency. By fostering cross-sector collaborations, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the capacity of the organization to respond to climate-induced migration and food insecurity. This leadership function requires constant engagement with international stakeholders to secure funding and logistical support for critical field operations. Through the implementation of data-driven impact assessments, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the delivery of essential services. This strategic oversight ensures that the organization remains a leader in the humanitarian sector, consistently adapting to the evolving needs of communities across the globe while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the core mission of service.

    Joanne Rendall - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Joanne Rendall, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Church World Service, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the organization. This role involves overseeing the budgeting process for global humanitarian programs, ensuring that funds are directed toward sustainable responses to hunger and poverty. Joanne Rendall architects financial strategies that maximize the impact of donor contributions while maintaining strict compliance with international standards. By monitoring the financial performance of various regional operations, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP ensures that the organization remains resilient in the face of economic volatility. This leadership position requires constant collaboration with the executive team to align financial resources with strategic priorities. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP secures the stability necessary to support long-term development projects. This role remains critical for the continued success of the organization in its mission to aid displaced populations.
    Joanne Rendall

    Katherine Rehberg - Chief Operating Officer

    Katherine Rehberg, the Chief Operating Officer at Church World Service, oversees the internal infrastructure required to support global humanitarian programs. This role involves streamlining administrative processes to ensure that resources flow efficiently from headquarters to field operations. Katherine Rehberg manages the integration of technology and logistics to enhance the speed of disaster response efforts. By coordinating between various departments, the Chief Operating Officer maintains operational alignment with the broader mission of poverty alleviation. This leadership position requires meticulous attention to organizational efficiency, ensuring that every dollar and hour contributes directly to community support. Through the development of scalable operational models, the Chief Operating Officer enables the organization to expand its footprint in regions facing severe displacement. This executive function supports the long-term sustainability of programs by refining internal workflows and fostering a culture of accountability, ultimately ensuring that the organization meets its ambitious goals for global impact.
    Katherine Rehberg

    John McCullough - President Emeritus

    John McCullough, the President Emeritus at Church World Service, provides historical context and strategic guidance to the current leadership team. This role involves leveraging decades of experience in humanitarian aid to support the ongoing mission of addressing displacement and disaster. John McCullough acts as an advisor on long-term institutional goals, ensuring that the organization remains true to its founding principles while adapting to modern challenges. By maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and partners, the President Emeritus helps preserve the legacy of the organization. This leadership function involves mentoring emerging leaders and providing insights into the complexities of global poverty reduction. Through the provision of institutional knowledge, the President Emeritus supports the continuity of the mission. This role ensures that the organization benefits from a deep understanding of its past while navigating the future, ultimately contributing to the sustained impact of humanitarian efforts across the globe.
    John McCullough

    Nana Quophy - President

    Nana Quophy, the President at Church World Service, leads specific regional initiatives focused on sustainable development and disaster resilience. This role involves overseeing the implementation of programs that address the root causes of poverty and displacement in targeted geographic areas. Nana Quophy architects partnerships with local community leaders to ensure that aid delivery is culturally relevant and effective. By managing the operational execution of field projects, the President ensures that resources are utilized to create lasting change. This leadership position requires constant engagement with on-the-ground realities, allowing for the rapid adjustment of strategies to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Through the coordination of regional teams, the President drives the impact of the organization in areas experiencing significant humanitarian challenges. This role remains essential for the successful delivery of services, ensuring that the mission of the organization translates into tangible improvements for communities facing hunger and displacement.

    Carleen Miller - Chief of Staff

    Carleen Miller, the Chief of Staff at Church World Service, coordinates the strategic priorities of the executive leadership team. This role involves managing the flow of information and decision-making processes to ensure that organizational objectives remain on track. Carleen Miller facilitates communication between the Board and senior management, ensuring that all initiatives align with the mission of addressing hunger and poverty. By overseeing special projects and high-level administrative functions, the Chief of Staff enables the organization to respond rapidly to emerging humanitarian crises. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the operational nuances within the organization, allowing for the effective prioritization of resources. Through the management of executive workflows, the Chief of Staff drives organizational cohesion and ensures that strategic goals translate into actionable field results. This role remains essential for maintaining the operational tempo required to support vulnerable communities across the globe.

    Laura Curkendall - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Laura Curkendall, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Church World Service, supports the execution of administrative and strategic initiatives. This role involves managing internal communications and ensuring that departmental goals align with the overarching mission of the organization. Laura Curkendall assists in the coordination of executive meetings and the tracking of key performance indicators related to humanitarian aid delivery. By providing analytical support to the leadership team, the Deputy Chief of Staff helps identify opportunities for operational improvement. This leadership function requires close collaboration with various teams to ensure that resources are allocated effectively toward poverty reduction and disaster response. Through the management of complex administrative tasks, the Deputy Chief of Staff enables the organization to maintain a focus on its core mission. This role ensures that the executive office functions smoothly, allowing for the rapid deployment of support to communities facing displacement and food insecurity.

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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 Rick S. (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Richard Santos (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Joanne Rendall (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP).
    Who is part of Church World Service’s executive team?
    The executive team of Church World Service includes leaders such as Rick S. (President & Chief Executive Officer), Richard Santos (President & Chief Executive Officer), Joanne Rendall (Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Church World Service have?
    Church World Service has 8 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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP, Chief Operating Officer, President Emeritus.