Dear Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light community,
As it is said in Ecclesiastes, “For everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” After 16 years of pouring my heart and soul into Earth Ministry/Washington Interfaith Power & Light (WAIPL), I’m writing to let you know that the time has come for me to move on as Executive Director. My last day serving this community will be August 31.
These many years have been the most fulfilling, joy-filled, and purpose-centered work of my life. I’ve been proud and honored to work with a fantastic community of people (including you!) who are passionate about putting faith into action for the common good and who live out that commitment every day.
My next venture will be as the Deputy Director of Washington Nonprofits. For me, this transition is an opportunity to explore new avenues to continue giving back to the many people and organizations doing good work around the state. This includes Earth Ministry/WAIPL, which is a member of Washington Nonprofits! It will be a gift to share all that I have learned here with the broader nonprofit community.
For Earth Ministry/WAIPL, it’s a chance to chart an exciting path forward with a new Executive Director who will bring different ideas, experiences, and perspectives. While no leadership transition is easy, the organization is in a very strong position with a firm financial foundation, an excellent staff and board, and dedicated supporters. The future is bright!
I will leave knowing that I devoted myself wholly to making Earth Ministry/WAIPL a more powerful and effective force for change. Together we’ve built a faithful advocacy program that is a model for religious communities across the country. We’ve passed scores of strong environmental justice bills. We have been working in solidarity with NW Native nations for more than a decade. And we’ve stopped over 50 fossil fuel projects in the Northwest and protected our most vulnerable from toxic chemicals.
In addition, our congregations are leaders in implementing sustainable practices. We’ve established meaningful connections with thousands of people across the state and beyond who are passionate about working at the intersection of faith and environment. And we’re on the path to being an authentic and welcoming multifaith organization focused on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Looking back at these shared successes, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment matched only by my gratitude in knowing that such vital work was done in partnership with all of you. The relationships we’ve built and the experiences we’ve shared will live in my heart forever. If you have any questions about this transition or want to reach out, you can contact me at LeeAnne@earthministry.org through the end of August.
It’s a joy to have been on this journey with you and I’m so grateful for our time together. Deep thanks and many blessings, now and always.
Yours,
LeeAnne Beres (she/her)
Executive Director
From the Board Executive Committee:
Dear Earth Ministry/WAIPL community members,
After reading LeeAnne’s note above, we know many questions will come to mind. We want to reassure you that the Earth Ministry/WAIPL board is working closely with LeeAnne and the other staff during this time of transition to best position the organization for the future. LeeAnne has been very thoughtful and thorough in her planning to ensure a sensible, graceful transition. A change in the Executive Director position creates a moment for us to reflect and name the amazing contributions that LeeAnne has made at Earth Ministry/WAIPL, and also a moment for us to imagine exciting new ways to achieve the vision and mission of this organization that we love. We hope that you will be part of this process in the way that is meaningful for you.
As an immediate first step, the board is looking forward to introducing an Interim Executive Director to the Earth Ministry/WAIPL community to provide support while we search for a permanent Executive Director. The person we will eventually hire as our next permanent Executive Director will take on the role of guiding the organization into living out our strategic plan more fully and realizing our role as a leader in multifaith environmental advocacy in the state of Washington.
You will hear from the board regularly throughout this process as we move forward. For now, please know that Earth Ministry/WAIPL’s long term health and vitality is our top priority as we plan for this leadership transition and seek to make the most of the opportunities we have before us. Please feel free to contact our Board Chair, Rev. Laura Baumgartner at lkwbaumgartner@gmail.com if you have any questions.
In connected and dedicated care for the Earth and Earth Ministry,
Rev. Laura Baumgartner (she/her), Chair
Sara Davis (she/her), Vice Chair
Anna Dyer (she/her), Secretary
Reuben Gelblum (he/him), Treasurer
