Church World Service Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Church World Service has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, and emeritus leadership.

Driven by a commitment to global well-being, Church World Service supports communities worldwide through sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster, embodying a faith-based philosophy of compassionate action and lasting impact.

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 - Rev. john Mccullough
  • President - Nana Quophy
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Laura Curkendall
  • Chief People Officer - Carleen Miller
  • Rick S. - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Rick S., the President & Chief Executive Officer at Church World Service, directs the organization's overarching strategy and global operations. This leadership role involves setting the vision for sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster across diverse communities. Rick S. ensures alignment with the faith-based mission, driving initiatives that foster long-term resilience and impact. The executive's focus centers on optimizing resource allocation and strengthening partnerships to expand the organization's reach and effectiveness in critical humanitarian efforts. This position demands a comprehensive understanding of global development challenges and the strategic deployment of aid to achieve tangible, positive outcomes for vulnerable populations worldwide.

    Richard Santos - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Richard Santos, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Church World Service, spearheads the organization's strategic direction and operational execution. This executive guides the implementation of sustainable programs addressing global hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster relief. Richard Santos ensures that all initiatives align with the core faith-based principles, fostering community empowerment and resilience. The role involves cultivating key relationships with international partners and stakeholders to amplify the organization's impact. By overseeing critical functions, Richard Santos drives innovation in humanitarian aid delivery and resource management, aiming to create lasting positive change for communities facing adversity across the globe.

    Joanne Rendall - Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP

    Joanne Rendall, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior VP at Church World Service, directs the organization's financial strategy and fiscal health. This executive oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and resource management to support global initiatives addressing hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. Joanne Rendall ensures robust financial controls and compliance, safeguarding donor contributions and organizational assets. The role involves strategic financial analysis to optimize investment in sustainable community development programs. By managing the financial architecture, Joanne Rendall enables Church World Service to expand its reach and deepen its impact, ensuring long-term viability and effectiveness in humanitarian aid delivery worldwide.
    Joanne Rendall

    Katherine Rehberg - Chief Operating Officer

    Katherine Rehberg, the Chief Operating Officer at Church World Service, manages the day-to-day operational framework supporting global humanitarian efforts. This executive oversees the efficient execution of programs designed to combat hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster worldwide. Katherine Rehberg ensures that operational strategies directly contribute to the organization's mission of sustainable community support. The role involves optimizing resource deployment and streamlining processes to maximize impact across diverse regions. By directing key operational functions, Katherine Rehberg enhances the organization's capacity to respond effectively to crises and foster long-term development, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need with efficiency and compassion.
    Katherine Rehberg

    Rev. john Mccullough - President Emeritus

    Rev. john Mccullough, the President Emeritus at Church World Service, provides ongoing counsel and strategic insight based on extensive experience. This esteemed position honors a legacy of leadership in guiding the organization's mission to support communities globally through sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. Rev. john Mccullough contributes valuable historical perspective and wisdom, reinforcing the organization's enduring commitment to humanitarian principles. The role involves advising current leadership on long-term vision and impact, ensuring continuity of purpose and dedication to serving vulnerable populations worldwide with compassion and effectiveness.

    Nana Quophy - President

    Nana Quophy, the President at Church World Service, directs the organization's strategic initiatives and operational oversight for global humanitarian efforts. This executive leads the charge in developing and implementing sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster, ensuring alignment with the core faith-based mission. Nana Quophy cultivates vital partnerships and stakeholder relationships to expand the organization's reach and effectiveness. The role involves driving innovation in aid delivery and resource management, aiming to foster resilience and empowerment within communities facing adversity. By guiding key functions, Nana Quophy ensures Church World Service continues its vital work of providing compassionate support worldwide.

    Laura Curkendall - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Laura Curkendall, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Church World Service, supports the executive leadership in driving strategic initiatives and operational coordination. This role involves facilitating communication and collaboration across departments to advance the organization's mission of sustainable global support. Laura Curkendall assists in the implementation of programs focused on hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster response. The executive's responsibilities include managing key projects and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. By providing critical support to leadership, Laura Curkendall enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of Church World Service's humanitarian efforts, contributing to the successful delivery of aid and community empowerment initiatives.

    Carleen Miller - Chief People Officer

    Carleen Miller, the Chief People Officer at Church World Service, leads the human capital strategy to support the organization's global mission. This executive oversees all aspects of talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development, ensuring a skilled and dedicated workforce. Carleen Miller fosters a culture that aligns with the faith-based values, promoting a supportive environment for staff working on hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster response. The role involves developing programs that attract, retain, and empower individuals committed to humanitarian service. By focusing on people, Carleen Miller strengthens Church World Service's capacity to deliver effective and compassionate aid worldwide.

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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.