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. Overseeing the organization's mission to combat hunger and displacement, the President & Chief Executive Officer aligns internal resources with international advocacy goals. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with global partners to ensure sustainable responses to poverty and disaster. By prioritizing food security and legal assistance for asylum seekers, Santos drives the expansion of programs across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for operational integrity while fostering a culture of service. Through constant engagement with the Board and executive leadership, Santos secures the necessary support for long-term community transformation. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains a steadfast advocate for refugees and vulnerable populations worldwide.

Joanne Rendall, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Church World Service, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for all humanitarian programs. Overseeing the financial planning and reporting for disaster response and food security initiatives, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP ensures that donor funds support sustainable community development. This leadership role involves maintaining strict compliance and transparency while scaling operations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. By optimizing budget distribution, Rendall enables the organization to respond rapidly to displacement crises and poverty-related challenges. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP collaborates with the executive team to secure the financial foundation required for long-term advocacy. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, Rendall protects the integrity of the organization's mission. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP provides the economic stability necessary to ensure that everyone has access to food and a safe place to call home.

Katherine Rehberg, the Chief Operating Officer at Church World Service, manages the daily execution of humanitarian programs and organizational logistics. Overseeing the implementation of food security and disaster response initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that field operations meet the highest standards of efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver legal assistance and support services to displaced persons across diverse geographic regions. By optimizing internal processes, Rehberg facilitates the seamless delivery of aid to communities in need. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with regional directors to scale impact and address emerging crises in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Through meticulous oversight of program delivery, Rehberg maintains the operational stability required for large-scale humanitarian efforts. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that every resource reaches the intended beneficiaries, reinforcing the commitment to providing a safe place for all.

John McCullough, the President Emeritus at Church World Service, provides historical context and strategic guidance to the current leadership team. Overseeing the preservation of the organization's long-standing commitment to refugee advocacy and disaster response, the President Emeritus serves as a mentor for ongoing humanitarian initiatives. This leadership role involves advising on the evolution of programs that address hunger and poverty across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. By leveraging decades of experience, McCullough ensures that the core mission remains central to all modern operations. The President Emeritus supports the transition of strategic goals while maintaining the integrity of the organization's faith-based foundation. Through consistent engagement with the Board, McCullough fosters continuity in the pursuit of global justice and community support. Ultimately, the President Emeritus reinforces the enduring legacy of the organization, ensuring that the commitment to providing a safe place for all remains a guiding principle for future generations.

Carleen Miller, the Chief of Staff at Church World Service, coordinates executive communications and streamlines strategic decision-making processes. Overseeing the alignment of departmental goals with the broader mission of poverty reduction and disaster response, the Chief of Staff facilitates effective collaboration among senior leadership. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information to the President & Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that critical humanitarian priorities receive immediate attention. By organizing high-level initiatives, Miller supports the integration of legal assistance and food security programs across global operations. The Chief of Staff monitors organizational performance metrics to ensure that resources support the most vulnerable populations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Through proactive management of executive workflows, Miller enhances the overall agility of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the internal cohesion necessary to sustain long-term advocacy for refugees and displaced communities.

Laura Curkendall, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Church World Service, supports the execution of administrative functions and organizational projects. Overseeing the implementation of internal policies that facilitate disaster response and refugee advocacy, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that operational teams remain focused on core humanitarian objectives. This leadership role involves managing special projects that bridge the gap between executive strategy and field-level execution across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. By streamlining communication channels, Curkendall enhances the efficiency of programs dedicated to food security and poverty alleviation. The Deputy Chief of Staff works in tandem with the Chief of Staff to maintain organizational alignment and support the needs of vulnerable populations. Through careful attention to detail, Curkendall ensures that administrative processes remain robust and responsive. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the overall effectiveness of the organization in its mission to provide a voice for those in need.