Staff Transitions

Staff Transitions are happening here at First and I want to ensure you as members and friends are kept informed about our process and what's happening. Kristen Kuriga is taking a sabbatical from her position as Social Justice Ministry Team Coordinator to complete her Clinical Pastoral Experience (CPE) through the summer and fall months. She will remain the part-time South Bay Ministry Team Coordinator, supporting worship services, lay leaders and outreach efforts. ​Alice King, our Young Adult and Campus Ministry Coordinator will be leaving her position after General Assembly. Her last day with us at First Church will be Sunday, June 21st. Rev. Jennifer and I will be meeting with our Young Adult groups and creating a process for the continuation of this important ministry and our campus outreach. More information regarding this process and the timing of this position will be posted here in the future.

Suzette Southfox, who was our Director of Membership and Development, has started her new job at NAMI, San Diego. Last week I met with our Fund Development Task Group, my Transitions Team and Jan Garbosky, our Fund Development Program Manager about the next iteration of this position. I am gathering more information from other large UU churches and will be updating you here as this process unfolds. I think the position may be filled in early August. This timeframe is important to ensure a very good fit so that the congregation will continue to be well served.

I know we will miss working with Alice and Suzette and wish for more time with Kristen. And I am glad they are moving on to fulfill their personal goals. I want to thank the staff and lay leaders who are taking on extra responsibilities in this time of transition. You are terrific and I know that working together through these transitions, our congregation will move with confidence in the coming months.

​Faithfully yours,
Rev. Kathleen Owens

Editor's note: the comment below was carried over from our previous site and was originally submitted 6/4/15.