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Dear Friends of Tucson Refugee Ministry,
I hope this message finds you well. Today, on behalf of the Board of TRM, I wanted to update you about some important and exciting changes coming to the TRM leadership team. Rest assured, that even with all of the changes in refugee resettlement across our country, we are committed to ensure that TRM's mission of connecting and empowering refugees through building relationships will continue, and that TRM has excellent leadership to carry out this mission.
First, we celebrate Pete Seiferth's dedicated service to TRM. Pete began as a TRM Board Member in 2016, became President of the Board in 2019, and then stepped into the role of Executive Director in December of 2024. Pete will be stepping down as Executive Director in order to accept a call to Northminster Presbyterian Church in Tucson. We are deeply grateful for his incredible leadership, passion, and impact in shaping TRM into what it is today. Pete has guided the staff well and has effectively led outreach and connections with local agencies and churches. We are glad that Pete will continue as an active volunteer and supporter of TRM even as he enters into this next chapter of ministry. Pete's last day as Executive Director will be April 25th.
While we will miss Pete dearly, we are excited to share a second announcement. The Board did not need to look far to find the best candidate to serve as the next Executive Director of TRM. We are happy to announce that Jeffrey Simons will begin serving as Executive Director upon Pete's departure. Jeffrey has been serving with TRM since November 2022 as the Program Director of “Arrive and Thrive". Jeffrey and the team have developed the program from the ground up and have expanded TRM's impact in the community each year by helping more refugees enter the workforce.
Jeffrey grew up on the Southern California coast, and after receiving his bachelor's and master's degrees from Biola University, he worked with immigrants at a community college and adult school leading literacy programs. From 2005 to 2019 he served in Oaxaca, Mexico making disciples and doing community development projects. Jeffrey and his wife Syl, made Tucson their home in 2020. They are the proud parents of four adult children. In his free time Jeffrey enjoys everything about coffee (ask him anything!) bicycling, surfing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Please join us in celebrating Pete’s contributions and welcoming Jeffrey as our new director!
Finally, thank you for being such an important part of our community. Your support and dedication contribute to making TRM the impactful and unique outreach that it is. Thank you for all you do to reflect the light of God's love into the lives of new international neighbors in Tucson! We look forward to the exciting road ahead.
With gratitude,
Linda Goode
TRM Board President
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