News & Insights

The Board of Directors of the In Trust Center for Theological Schools announced its 2025 Board leaders and a new Board member.

The Rev. Dr. Charisse L. Gillett (pictured), president of Lexington Theological Seminary, became board chair on Jan. 1, 2025. Previously the vice chair, she replaces the Rev. Dr. Byron Klaus, who served two years as the chair and will remain a board member. 

Naming a slate of executive officers is part of the In Trust Center Board’s annual process. Other new members of the Board’s executive leadership are:

  • The Rev. Dr. Richard R. Topping, principal of the Vancouver School of Theology, became vice chair, replacing Gillett.
  • Kathryn Glover, formerly of Virginia Theological Seminary, became the Board Secretary, replacing Dr. Luis R. Rivera.
  • The Rev. Jul Medenblik, president of Calvin Theological Seminary, became treasurer, replacing René Espinosa.

Rivera, of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and Espinosa, of Oblate School of Theology, continue in their board service.

The Board also appointed Dr. Agnes Chiu (pictured left) of China Evangelical Seminary North America to fill a term that was left vacant.

“The Board has been very intentional in planning for leadership transition and making sure our members are well represented,” said In Trust Center President Amy Kardash, who also serves on the Board. “The Board has a tradition of excellence in both members and leadership. It’s a pleasure to serve with this Board and the new leadership to serve our membership.”

The In Trust Center for Theological Schools is a nonprofit organization based in Wilmington, Delaware, that serves to strengthen theological schools across North America by connecting their leaders to essential resources for mission vitality. It has been serving schools for more than 30 years and serves schools through a variety of curated resources, initiatives focused on governance and leadership, and grant opportunities, as well as  through its award-winning magazine, In Trust.

More information about the Board can be found here.

Top Topics

Roles & Responsibilities

Challenges

Opportunities

Board Essentials

Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

ATS Research on Executive Leadership Webinar

UPCOMING: March 24, 1PM (ET)

This ATS Research Webinar on Executive Leadership will focus on trends and contributing factors that have led to the unprecedented turnover of executive leaders in recent years.

Redeeming Conflict One Tough Conversation at a Time

UPCOMING: April 3, 1PM (ET)

Dr. Ann Garrido, Assoc. Professor, Homiletics, Aquinas Institute of Theology, will discuss how we choose to manage conflicts.

Who's Next? Succession Planning for Boards

ON DEMAND

Planning for board officer vacancies should start well in advance with an intentional, smooth, and carefully designed transition plan.

In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.

Contact Us