Branches Hires New Executive Director
A note from outgoing Board Chairman, Tyler Norris
When we began the search for our next Executive Director in March, it was the Board’s prayer that the Lord would bring the right individual to Branches, to lead and steward this next season. While we did post the job online, it was my hope that the Lord would sovereignly lead our next Executive Director to us in a way that wasn’t simply a job application.
While traveling, one of our board members was speaking with a friend from their past. This individual has a strong business acumen, with over 30 years of experience in organizational development and team leadership. He is also active in fundraising for church organizations, an executive board member for a philanthropic non-profit, and a Certified Mental Performance coach. Most of all he has a drive to serve, through Christ. Overall he seemed too qualified, and asking him if he was interested in the position, was a long-shot, but she felt lead to casually bring it up. Conversation ensued and things began to fall into alignment.
After several interviews, due diligence, and prayer, we knew that the Lord had provided our next Executive Director. With that, I’d like to introduce Mr. Terry Mears. He is excited about leading Branches into this next season, ready to serve our clients, volunteers, and staff members, and most of all, the Lord. Not only does he have a heart for what we do, he also exhibits excellent leadership, interpersonal and organizational skills, is a strategic planner, capable fundraiser, and relationship builder. We believe he will be an excellent fit, and look forward to you meeting him soon.
Terry Mears
Branches Pregnancy and Family Center
New Executive Director
There is however one final piece to this seasonal transition. Having seniority on the board, I stepped back into the Chairman role on a temporary basis at the end of 2023; and am very proud of the board I’ve had the honor of leading over the past five months. I simply cannot express the amount of time, energy, and prayer this board put in to bring stability to Branches. While no individual or group is perfect, we have done the best that we’ve known how, to bring resolve. And with that, Branches is moving forward in a positive direction with a stable environment at both centers, several new board members, and a highly-qualified new Executive Director.
I have personally served on the Branches Board for 10 years. Several life-long connections have been created in that time, and I’ve had the privilege of working with some very talented, dedicated people. And while it has been an honor to serve, leadership has a shelf life and mine is coming to an end.
I will be officially exiting in July; however this month (May, 2024) I have the privilege of passing the baton to Dena Funk, our next Chairman. Dena is a true servant at heart, a great listener, and loves the Lord. She has compassion for others, and is easily able to place herself in their shoes, giving her the ability to understand issues from all sides. I am confident that she will lead well, with grace, and is the right person to lead the board in this new season.
Please continue to keep Branches in your prayers. While I am very confident in our new leadership team, I know that our battle isn’t against flesh and blood. We have an enemy who hates what we do, but fortunately we have a Savior who’s overcome the enemy and the world. So please continue lifting up our leadership, staff, volunteers, and our clients. Without your partnership in prayer over the years, I’m certain we wouldn’t be here today.
And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, the board is always ready to listen. You can reach out anytime at board@pregnancyandfamily.org.
In Christ,
Tyler Norris
Outgoing Board Chairman
Branches Pregnancy and Family Center