The Churches United Board of Directors regretfully announces that Executive Director Anne Wachal is stepping down from Churches United after 19 years of service and leadership for the organization.
Upon her initial hiring, Ms. Wachal was the first full time Program Manager, having worked at the Churches United Rock Island location for 11 years. During her tenure, 8 new emergency food pantries were developed including food pantries opened to serve the hungry on weekends and evenings and the first bi-lingual food pantry. During her time overseeing the hunger ministries, the evening meal sites were strengthened and a third in Moline was initiated through the collaboration of Member Churches. Also during her tenure, the CROP Hunger Walk as well as other appropriate activities took place with support from the larger interfaith community. For 6 years, Ms. Wachal managed the radio show Faith Talks that aired on KALA, St. Ambrose University radio. She was the first to insist that the communities of faith of nuns be allowed to become members of Churches United. The organization hosted nationally renowned speakers, from Tony Campolo to Sister Helen Prejean author of Dead Man Walking and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, oldest daughter of Senator Robert Kennedy, who addressed a full house at the 50th anniversary of Churches United in 2011.
Ms. Wachal was the first non-clergy Executive Director of Churches United. She oversaw the internal update of technology for staff, instituted various September 11th worship services, and began the process of ensuring Churches United continues to be a respected and important player in the non-profit and faith world delivering ministries and services to the greater Quad City community. Networking and moving the agency forward is her strength.
Ms. Wachal will step down as the Executive Director at the end of this year to return to her native Ohio and explore a new life journey.
