The Board of Directors of The Endeleo Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Veronica M. Johnson as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective February 14, 2025.

 

Rev. Johnson brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and educational programming, along with a deep commitment to community transformation to The Endeleo Institute. She previously served as the Illinois Outreach Director for Faith in Place, Co-Pastor of Hyde Park Union Church, and Senior Director of Admissions and Enrollment of McCormick Theological Seminary, where she was instrumental in guiding persons of many nationalities, ages, and religious backgrounds to pursue theological education.

 

A community leader and justice preacher at heart, Rev. Johnson also serves as a Commissioner of the Southeast Expanded Mental Health Services Program of Chicago (appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson) and is the Pastor of Leadership and Innovation for The Open Church of Maryland (remotely). She is committed to human flourishing and strives, daily, for the flourishing of traditionally marginalized people and communities.

 

In her new role, Rev. Johnson will focus on key priorities such as expanding programs, increasing community engagement, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing fundraising efforts, all towards the fulfilment of our mission of healthier communities on the Southside of Chicago and beyond.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Veronica M. Johnson to lead The Endeleo Institute into its next chapter,” said Lori Lypson, Board Chair of The Endeleo Institute. “Her passion, leadership, and commitment to our organization’s goals will strengthen our impact and further our mission.”

 

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ shared, “Trinity United Church of Christ is excited to work alongside Rev. Veronica Johnson as she takes the helm of The Endeleo Institute.  Rev. Johnson‘s career as a faith-based organizer, non-profit leader, pastor, and engineer make her uniquely qualified to serve in this position as Executive Director.”

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