NBA Board of Trustees June Meeting Highlights Bold Leadership, Program Growth, and New Appointments

July 8, 2025 | by NBA Cares

The National Benevolent Association’s Board of Trustees gathered virtually on June 12, 2025, for its summer meeting, where trustees celebrated programmatic milestones, affirmed strategic leadership transitions, and welcomed new board members into service. 

Responding with Compassion: STL Storm Update 

President and CEO Mark D. Anderson opened the meeting with a reflection on the recent storms that impacted the St. Louis region, where NBA is headquartered. He shared updates on how NBA staff and partners were affected and emphasized the organization’s commitment to care and flexibility during times of crisis. 

“We are grateful for the resilience of our team and the support of our wider NBA community,” Anderson noted. “Moments like these remind us why our work in compassion and care is so vital.” 

Programmatic Growth and Impact 

The heart of the meeting centered on NBA’s expanding programmatic work. Monica Wedlock Kilpatrick, Vice President of Programs and Initiatives, and Emmanuel Freeman, Program Committee Chair, offered a comprehensive overview of NBA’s 17 active programs, including five peer learning and wellness groups, 30–40 annual events, and partnerships with over 45 organizations. 

Highlights included: 

  • The launch of a Mental Health Toolkit by the Mental Health & Equity Cohort 
  • A new Young Adult Leadership Director, Rev. Bere Gil Soto, who is expanding life skills and leadership programming 

Trustees also learned that NBA awarded nearly $177,000 in Mission & Ministry Grants this spring, supporting 31 ministries across the country. 

Welcoming New Trustees and Honoring Departing Leaders 

The Governance Committee, led by Lisa Buday and Mark Anderson, introduced and affirmed seven new trustees and celebrated the service of four outgoing members: 

  • Rev. Sydney Avent
  • Sara Blackwood
  • David Harrison
  • Arnold Hayes
  • Noelle Rivera
  • Diana Rodriguez
  • Keith Rawlinson (partial term)
  • Emmanual Freeman (renewed for 2nd term)

Outgoing members: 

 Lisa Buday (2019 – 2025; 6 years) 

  • Lisa’s leadership brought joyful energy, thoughtful governance, and a deep love for the church, helping NBA navigate transformative change with clarity and care. 

 Jacque Foster (2017 – 2025; 8 years) 

  • Jacque’s pastoral spirit and visionary leadership inspired imagination and possibility, nurturing NBA ministries to flourish during her years of service. 

 Clarence Johnson (2019 – 2025; 6 years) 

  • Clarence’s steadfast commitment to inclusion, equity, and justice shaped NBA’s community engagement and modeled what it means to lead with compassion. 

David Rodriguez (2019 – 2025; 6 years) 

  • David’s financial wisdom, Bronx-born grit, and unwavering encouragement strengthened NBA’s stewardship and innovation, leaving a legacy of resilience and openness. 

The board also approved the incoming Executive Committee for 2025–2026, including: 

  • Rev. Dr. Judy Alston, Chair 
  • Emmanuel Freeman, Vice Chair 
  • Rev. Brian Moore, Treasurer 
  • Dr. Xochitl Alvizo, Secretary 
  • Janetta Cravens, At-Large 

The board now reflects a diverse and dynamic leadership body, with representation from all five Disciples regional clusters. 

Looking Ahead 

As NBA continues to grow its impact, the Board of Trustees remains committed to bold leadership, equity-centered governance, and deepening its mission of creating communities of compassion and care.