The Board of Directors is delighted to announce that Reuben Todd is joining the Caroline Furnace staff as our Executive Director.
Mr. Reuben, as he is known to campers, has an impressive 11 years of camp and conference center management experience, and a deep commitment to outdoor ministry. He has overseen the growth and revitalization of multiple properties, most recently Crossroads Camp & Conference Center in Lowesville, VA. He brings immense leadership and visioning skills, as well as the ability to fix things around property. Let's just say he's not afraid to get his hands dirty when needed!
Reuben has proven experience in building up and effectively utilizing volunteers. He noted that the health of a volunteer program is a thermometer for the health of the overall ministry. (So, come on out to work weekend on April 4-6th and show him how healthy we are!) In addition, he has experience supervising paid staff and managing a healthy, productive relationship among and between staff and volunteers.
Reuben has a strong Christian background and has been part of Anglican, Brethren, and Baptist faith communities. Although he is not Lutheran, the Board of Directors was impressed with Reuben's strong personal faith, as well as his statements that he believes that faith is not found in clinging to black and white statements, but more fully in the middle ground where the individual wrestles with God to find truth. He is being supported by a team of ELCA pastors (including several who serve on the Board of Directors), as he learns about our Lutheran heritage and theology. The Board of Directors is also supporting him in this process. Caroline Furnace remains committed to our Lutheran identity.
Board president Tom Powell said, "When you meet Reuben, what you are most immediately struck by is his warmth, his openness, and his eagerness to engage in direct, productive communication. His proven experience in building strong volunteer programs, donor campaigns, facility management, and program creation made him a perfect match for the Executive Director position." Reuben's professional experience and personal passion towards hospitality and guest care add to the reasons why the board feels confident that his leadership will ensure a vibrant, successful next chapter for the ministry at Caroline Furnace.
We feel blessed that Reuben felt called to Caroline Furnace and accepted the board's invitation to serve as our Executive Director. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Reuben, his wife Nicole, and their three children: Caleb, Sarah, and David.
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