At the end of the year, Herb Pfiffner, the executive director of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission (UGM) will be retiring after 20 years of service to the local community. He is just the third executive director of the Mission in its 77 years.
“With Herb at the helm, UGM has grown from a budget of $3 million in 1989 to more than $16 million this year – giving the Mission an opportunity to offer hope to thousands of homeless individuals and urban youth,” said Board of Trusteeschair Andy Toles.
Pfiffner, 66, long active in the Greater Seattle community and a member of Seattle 4 Rotary club, still has a huge job during his final year with the Mission –– managing the transition of leadership; concluding the funding and the opening of Hope Place, 80,681 square foot long-term residence for homeless women and children; and setting the stage for expanding urban youth programs.
“We are concerned about our community and the desperate people who live within it. Our doors are open and ready to offer hope to anyone in need – hope for a brighter future and hope in Jesus,” said Herb. “It’s my desire to leave the Mission with a faithful leader—faithful to the mission of the Mission, faithful to the call of Jesus, and faithful to the staff and people we serve.”
Herb will continue as executive director through December 31, 2009.
“The Board of Trustees and the senior management team are grateful that Herb has given us such generous advance notice of his retirement so we can create a seamless leadership transition,” said Toles.
UGM has retained John Pearson Associates, Inc. to facilitate the search.
Photo Courtesy of Union Gospel Mission
