The Rescue Mission of Roanoke has introduced C. Lee Clark as its next Chief Executive Officer. Longtime CEO Joy Sylvester-Johnson will work her last day at the Mission on December 23rd.
Clark worked at the Mission previously from 2001-2011 as Director of Development and Finance. He left in 2011 for the Red Cross, where he has served as Chief Operating Officer for the American Red Cross in Virginia, and Executive Director of the Red Cross of the Roanoke and New River Valleys.
He describes his return to the Mission as a homecoming. “Today, I am coming home. Home to a mission I deeply believe in, a staff I admire, a community I care deeply for, and guests whom I am committed to praying and caring for daily.”
Sylvester-Johnson, whose parents started the Mission in 1948, gave an impassioned plea for continued community support for the Mission and the men, women, and children who seek its services in times of crisis. She promised Clark her own prayers and support.
“Join me today in pledging to pray for him,” Sylvester-Johnson urged. “This is no longer a little storefront mission. The mantle of responsibility is complex, constant and sometimes cumbersome. The culture in which we are called to live is riddled with violence, plagued by greed and thick with fear. But I have learned that God provides what is needed as we need it, if we are willing to surrender all things to God. Many depend on the Mission to be there in their hour of need. Right now the Mission needs your renewed commitment to serve, give and pray.”
Board President Peter Vieth echoed Sylvester-Johnson’s call for continued support, and expressed confidence in Clark to build on a 68 year-old foundation. “As sad as we are to see Joy step aside for well-deserved retirement, we are confident the Mission has a capable and solid leader to continue its work.”
Clark will officially take the reins at the Rescue Mission January 3rd.
