We are thrilled to announce that Sonya J. Vann, MDiv will join us as our new Executive Director starting May 16th!
Sonya is an experienced Executive Director and Administrator with a rich background in the management of religious organizations. She joins us from Eden Theological Seminary, where she served as the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. Sonya is also a trained minister, and serves on several Boards including as the Vice Chair for St. Vincent Home for Children. She brings us significant fundraising experience as well.
“I am thrilled to be joining CRC,” Sonya said. “The opportunity to serve in this important role is one that humbles and excites me. I feel a kindred spirit with CRC, their Rabbinic Team, Staff and members as we seek to bring about justice and Shalom in meaningful ways that create change.”
Sonya will lead CRC as we return to our normal flow of in-person services and events, helping us to safely re-engage our membership as we recover from the pandemic, while building on the considerable success we have had creating a vibrant online community.
“Your rabbis are thrilled to be able to welcome Sonya Vann as our new Executive Director,” Rabbi Susan Talve said. “CRC’s rapid growth has brought a host of challenges and opportunities to our membership, leadership team and staff. Sonya’s skill set, experience, and spiritual soul are just what we need to remain true to our core values as we expand meaningful engagement within our community and beyond.
“Sonya is no stranger to CRC,” Rabbi Talve continued. “She has been part of our extended family at Eden Theological Seminary, at Christ the King UCC Church and at the many progressive organizations where we have worked for change and healing together for many years. We are grateful to John Stamm and the team who found us the perfect person to guide us to the next chapter of CRC’s ongoing story.”
Natalie Shatzman, Board President: “I am so excited to welcome Sonya Vann to CRC. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of Executive Director, and I look forward to seeing her cultivate meaningful relationships within CRC that will strengthen our community and enable her to guide and support our staff. I am grateful to the members of the Search Committee and the Board who contributed many hours to the extensive and thorough selection process. I am thrilled that they made the unanimous decision to choose Sonya to work alongside our lay leaders and our Rabbis.”
Sonya will be formally introduced to CRC at our May 20th Kabbalat Shabbat service, and will also be available for a virtual meet-and-greet on Tuesday, June 21st at 3:00pm – sign up here. We will plan several other opportunities for Sonya to meet with members of CRC over the coming weeks, and will announce them as they become available.