We are delighted to introduce Cindy Cotte Griffiths as the newest member of the Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake (IPC) Board of Directors! With a remarkable career dedicated to communications, social justice, and faith-based leadership, Cindy is a perfect fit to help guide IPC as we continue our work to protect the environment, advocate for justice, and bring people of faith together to care for creation.

Cindy has spent decades building bridges between communities and advocating for positive change. She currently serves as the Chief Communications Officer for Scouting America National Capital Area Council, where she oversees communications for the local Washington D.C. council of the Boy Scouts of America. In this role, Cindy is helping to shape the way the organization connects with its communities and stakeholders.

Previously, Cindy served as the Director of Communications and Development for the National Council of Churches, where she worked to amplify the voices of faith communities across the nation on key social issues. Her expertise in both communications and development has allowed her to effectively build awareness and rally support for causes that align with our values at IPC.

Cindy’s leadership extends far beyond the realm of communications. She has played an essential role in organizations committed to social justice and serving vulnerable communities. As the Executive Director of DC-MD Justice For Our Neighbors, Cindy led efforts to provide legal services and support to immigrants and refugees, helping them navigate complex systems and advocating for their rights. She also served as the Deputy Director of Development and Communications at Interfaith Works, a Montgomery County, MD-based nonprofit focused on supporting those experiencing poverty and homelessness. Cindy’s deep understanding of community needs and her ability to engage diverse faith groups will be a great asset to IPC as we continue to promote environmental justice.

In addition to her work in the nonprofit sector, Cindy founded Online and In Person, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping small businesses and organizations build effective communication strategies. Through her company, Cindy has helped organizations refine their messaging, create impactful campaigns, and build stronger connections with their communities. She also published a local news site, further demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and information-sharing. Cindy’s entrepreneurial approach to communications will bring a fresh perspective to IPC’s efforts to expand our reach and influence, especially as we work to engage new communities in faith-based environmental advocacy.

Faith has been a cornerstone of Cindy’s life and work. For over 30 years, she was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Rockville, where she actively participated in church life, outreach programs, and community service initiatives. Cindy is now a member of Living Faith Lutheran Church in Rockville, where she continues to be involved in her faith community. Her strong spiritual grounding aligns perfectly with IPC’s mission of advocating for environmental stewardship and justice from a faith-based perspective. Cindy and her husband Charles have two adult sons, and they are deeply committed to service in their community. 

We are excited for the contributions Cindy will bring to our board and to our growing movement for a healthier planet. Her background in communications, leadership in social justice, and deep faith make her an ideal fit for helping IPC achieve its mission of building a sustainable, just, and faith-driven future for all.

Updates On Our Leadership Team

As we welcome Cindy to the board, we also want to acknowledge and celebrate the leadership team that will continue to guide IPC in the coming year. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and passion to our work, and we are grateful for their commitment:

• Mark Wright – New Board Chair
• Sarah Lane – New Vice Chair
• Le-Marie – Continuing as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee
• Frieda Malcolm – New Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee
• Laura Cattell Noll – Chairing the new Strategic Plan Steering Committee
• Drew Robinson – New Chair of Development and Communications Committee
• Steve Verkouw – Continuing as Chair of the Program Committee

With this amazing team in place, we are excited about the future and the progress we will make in advocating for environmental justice, creation care, and a more sustainable future.