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.

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Upcoming Events

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

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.

Seminaries are people too: Mindsets that make or break institutional change

ON DEMAND

Theological schools are launching innovative projects to reshape education, but many struggle to achieve transformational change despite strong grant funding. Human nature, organizational culture, and governance practices often hinder progress. In this webinar, Drs. Aaron Einfeld and David Rowe provide tools to identify/overcome hidden barriers to change, offer practical steps for institutional leadership to move their institutions forward

I See That Hand

ON DEMAND

Board members are typically recruited for their leadership, business acumen, and networks. Dr. Rebekah Basinger, project director of the In Trust Center’s Wise Stewards Initiative, will discuss how strategic questioning and interrogation skills are essential for effective board stewardship.

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.

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