Church World Service Executive and Leadership Team

Richard Santos, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Church World Service, directs the overarching strategic vision for global humanitarian initiatives. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages complex relationships with international partners to address systemic hunger and displacement. By aligning organizational resources with mission-critical goals, Santos ensures effective disaster response across diverse regions. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health and operational integrity. Richard Santos drives the expansion of sustainable development programs, focusing on long-term poverty reduction strategies. Through rigorous oversight of global operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of accountability and impact. The executive leadership team relies on Santos to navigate geopolitical challenges while upholding the core values of the organization. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the mission by fostering innovation in humanitarian aid delivery and community empowerment.

Joanne Rendall, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Church World Service, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation to support global programs addressing displacement and disaster. By ensuring rigorous compliance and transparency, Rendall protects the financial integrity of the institution. This leadership role involves managing complex funding streams and donor relations to sustain long-term humanitarian impact. Joanne Rendall collaborates with the Board to develop financial models that support growth and operational stability. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP monitors economic trends to mitigate risks and optimize the use of charitable funds. Through strategic financial planning, Rendall enables the organization to scale its efforts in poverty reduction. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every dollar contributes directly to the mission of serving communities in need.

Katherine Rehberg, the Chief Operating Officer at Church World Service, executes the daily operational workflows required to sustain global relief efforts. The Chief Operating Officer optimizes internal processes to ensure resources reach communities affected by disaster and poverty with maximum efficiency. By streamlining cross-departmental communication, Rehberg facilitates seamless coordination between field offices and headquarters. This role demands precise management of logistics and supply chain functions to support international aid distribution. Katherine Rehberg monitors performance metrics to refine operational strategies, ensuring alignment with the broader organizational mission. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with other C-suite leaders to implement scalable solutions for displacement crises. Through proactive problem-solving, Rehberg mitigates risks associated with large-scale humanitarian operations. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, driving continuous improvement in service delivery models to better serve vulnerable populations across the globe.

John McCullough, the President Emeritus at Church World Service, provides strategic counsel and historical context to the current leadership team. The President Emeritus supports the organization by leveraging deep institutional knowledge to guide long-term initiatives related to displacement and disaster relief. By maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and partners, McCullough facilitates continuity in the mission. This advisory role involves mentoring current executives and offering perspective on complex humanitarian challenges. John McCullough contributes to the development of high-level strategies that honor the legacy of the organization while adapting to modern global needs. The President Emeritus participates in high-level discussions to ensure that current actions remain consistent with the core values of the institution. Through ongoing engagement, the President Emeritus helps bridge the gap between past successes and future goals. McCullough drives the preservation of the organizational vision, ensuring that the commitment to serving the vulnerable remains central to all strategic decisions.

Laura Curkendall, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Church World Service, coordinates executive priorities and facilitates high-level administrative functions. The Deputy Chief of Staff manages the flow of information between the leadership team and various departments to ensure strategic alignment. By overseeing special projects and internal communications, Curkendall supports the execution of organizational goals related to hunger and poverty relief. This role involves preparing briefings and managing schedules to maximize the efficiency of the executive office. Laura Curkendall monitors progress on key initiatives, providing essential support to the President & Chief Executive Officer. The Deputy Chief of Staff fosters collaboration across the organization, ensuring that administrative processes remain agile and responsive to changing humanitarian needs. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains the operational rhythm of the leadership team. Curkendall drives organizational effectiveness by streamlining decision-making processes and supporting the implementation of long-term strategic objectives.

Carleen Miller, the Chief People Officer at Church World Service, architects the human capital strategy to support a global workforce dedicated to humanitarian aid. The Chief People Officer manages talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture to ensure alignment with the mission of fighting hunger and poverty. By fostering an inclusive and high-performing environment, Miller drives engagement across diverse regional teams. This role involves designing compensation structures and performance management systems that attract and retain top talent. Carleen Miller collaborates with leadership to address workforce challenges in volatile environments, ensuring staff safety and well-being. The Chief People Officer implements training programs that enhance the capabilities of personnel working in disaster response. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer supports the long-term growth of the organization. Miller maintains a focus on building a resilient culture, ensuring that the human element of the mission remains strong and effective in every operational theater.