“There was just a point where I said to myself, ‘The world isn’t how it should be, and I want to be a part of repairing it.’ Ever since then, I’ve been involved in place-based work that looks at systems and works with people to improve outcomes.”
Ruth Evans shared these words when describing her motivation for joining our team. We are so excited to have her as our new Senior Director of Business Operations! Originally from the Midwest and Mountain West, Ruth has made her home in the South for 20 years. Nearly eight of those have been right here in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Ruth smiles when she speaks about the city. “ I love the richness of the history and the culture here, the diversity, the weather. Atlanta is the best of every place I’ve ever been.”
Although she is new to our team, Ruth is very familiar with the work of FCS. She first heard about us when founder Bob Lupton gave a presentation at a conference for faith-based community developers in the early aughts. She says that conference sent her on a journey of learning about healthy, place-based community engagement. She carried the values of neighboring, dignity, and development with her as she worked in places like New Orleans and Jacksonville. Most recently, Ruth has been working to mobilize and equip churches to partner with communities in a way that promotes flourishing.
“There’s so much about the values of FCS that have always resonated with me,” she says. “What I especially love is that FCS lives out its values internally, too. Everyone I’ve spoken with who has worked at FCS says that the internal culture on the team is healthy and life-giving. They want to do work that promotes the well-being of others, and they start by making sure that the team experiences equity and well-being, too.”
President Jim Wehner says that bringing Ruth on board will strengthen this internal culture. “When you combine a healthy leader with a healthy organization, the outcome is catalytic. We are excited about adding Ruth to our team. She will make us stronger.”
In the role of Senior Director of Business Operations, Ruth will oversee all aspects of FCS’ administrative and day-to-day functions, including finance and administration, development, and HR, among other areas. Thinking about ways to support the team has already energized Ruth.
“I really look forward to meeting the team and everyone who is part of this work and investing in them. I’m ready to learn and grow in my own leadership alongside everyone, too,” she says.
We’re so glad to welcome Ruth, and we can’t wait for you to get to know her, too!
