New year, new strategic plan, and new faces on our Board of Directors.

This year will bring lots of exciting changes! We are thrilled to announce five new board members who are beginning their terms this year.  In 2019, IPC's board passed a resolution solidifying its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In accordance with this resolution, the Governance Committee worked diligently to recruit diverse candidates who each bring unique perspectives, backgrounds, skills, and experience to the Board.

Curtis Bennett is the National Aquarium’s director of equity and community engagement. He and his team develop long-lasting relationships with local residents and stakeholders, and collaborate with them to develop environmental programs and projects that meet the needs of the community. He is a member of several diversity, equity, inclusion and justice-focused committees and workgroups, including with the Association of Zoo and Aquariums, the Environmental Protection Agency, Chesapeake Bay Program and the Choose Clean Water Coalition.

Samia Kirchner makes, studies, and analyzes architecture that contributes to urban civic identity. She is currently tenured Associate Professor of Architecture + City Design at Morgan State University in Baltimore. Her research and practice focuses on Port Cities Urban Regeneration and Waterfront Redevelopment. She has lived and worked in Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Honolulu, Rome in Italy, Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan, and Sharjah in the UAE. She is a trained facilitator in cross-cultural learning and received the 2020 AlanG. Penczek Service-Learning Faculty Award.

The Rev. Dr. Frieda Malcolm is a long-time supporter of IPC and brings ministry experience to the Board. Frieda’s first career was as a geologist with a petroleum company in New Orleans. Later she was ordained in The Episcopal Church in Louisiana, and served congregations in New Jersey, West Virginia, and Maryland. Now officially retired, she continues to serve congregations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland as supply (substitute) clergy, and remains involved in diocesan work with the Commission on Ministry. She was Rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury until 2019 and was was a founding member of the Wicomico County Interfaith Partners for Creation Stewardship.

Rebecca Rehr is the Director of ecoAmerica’s Climate for Health Program, a national initiative led by a diverse network of health leaders from across the sector. Rebecca also currently serves as a Governing Councilor for the American Public Health Association’s Environment Section. She was previously the Public Policy & Advocacy Manager for the Maryland Environmental Health network, where she developed and supported statewide initiatives addressing climate change, pesticide use, lead poisoning, fracking, health impact assessments, and environmental justice.

Derrick Weston is the founder of Stories of Food and Faith, a non-profit multi-media collective for all who care about faith-based food justice. A long-time believer in the power of storytelling, Derrick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Divinity from the San Francisco Theological Seminary. Before devoting himself full-time to the work of food and faith, Derrick spent his career serving churches and faith-based non-profits. Stories of Food and Faith is the culmination of Derrick’s education and experience as a producer, podcast host, writer, speaker, and community organizer.

The IPC Board directs the vision and mission of the organization, and oversees the fiscal integrity and stewardship of funds. While the staff executes the day to day activities, the board develops long-term strategy and direction. The staff and board work as a team -- neither can operate without the other. If you are interested in putting forth your name for consideration in our 2023 slate of board candidates, please click here and introduce yourself to us.  

We're also excited to announce new executive leadership of the board for 2021. Albert Todd will take over as Chair of the Board for his sixth year of service to IPC, and Tonya Sanders will step into the role as Vice-Chair. Le-Marie Thompson is returning to the role of Treasurer, while Laura Cattell Noll will become the Secretary of the Board. A special thanks to outgoing Board Chair, Jeanne McCann who served as the Chair of the Board this past year and drove ambitious pursuit of our strategic plan and board growth.

Thank you to all of our Board members who volunteer their time and talents to guide and direct the awesome work of IPC! 

We are excited to work with you in 2022!