Rev. Andrew Chirch
[PRESS RELEASE] The Chaplaincy Institute Announces Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: LaShonda Lewis
Communications and Media Specialist
(510) 843-1422 or
THE CHAPLAINCY INSTITUTE NAMES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ANDREW CHIRCH TO LEAD THE GROWING ORGANIZATION
BERKELEY, CA (Feb. 10, 2021) The Chaplaincy Institute (ChI) Board of Trustees has appointed Rev. Andrew Chirch as the executive director of the growing interfaith seminary and community. An elder in interfaith education, ChI trains individuals in ministerial leadership and spiritual service. This appointment is effective March 1, 2021 and preparations for the transition have commenced.
Currently serving as ChI’s Minister of Operations, Chirch has been on staff since 2019. He brings over two decades of executive management and business administration experience, holds a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Starr King School for Ministry, and is a ChI ordained interfaith minister. This promotion comes as ChI implements a strategic plan that aims to strengthen the Institute’s capacity in three critical areas: leadership, financial, and programmatic effectiveness.
“We are excited to announce Andrew Chirch’s promotion to this position because it is a direct outcome of one of our strategic goals to grow our leadership capacity.
Andrew’s experience and care for ChI are proven, and he is the perfect leader to oversee the exciting enrollment and fundraising growth we are experiencing,” said the Rev. Ineda Adesanya, who will remain in place as ChI’s Board President. “I look forward to my continued work with Andrew as we guide ChI into the future.”
“I couldn’t be more honored and excited to have this opportunity. The Chaplaincy Institute is the right organization and now is the right time for me to increase my involvement and contribute to what Rev. Ineda Adesanya and so many others have begun. We have an incredible team, and our staff, faculty, and community of alumni are busy training and supporting interfaith caregivers for a world in need. What could be more meaningful?”, said Rev. Chirch.
About the Institute: The Chaplaincy Institute is an Interfaith Seminary and Community whose mission is to educate and empower individuals for innovative interfaith service and spiritual care that heals and transforms the world. Students are encouraged to find their unique pathways to communication with the Divine in all aspects of life—and in so doing, define their personal call to ministry and chaplaincy. Founded in 1999 by Rev. Dr. Gina Rose Halpern, ChI’s curriculum reflects and responds to the ever-changing climate of religious and spiritual life.