Episcopal Relief & Development Welcomes New Board Members for 2026

Episcopal Relief & Development Welcomes New Board Members in 2026

Episcopal Relief & Development is thrilled to announce the addition of two distinguished individuals to its Board of Directors: Dr. Dora Rudo Mbuwayesango and the Right Reverend Phoebe Roaf, effective January 1, 2026. The Board Chair, Matt Silva, expressed his excitement for working alongside the new members, emphasizing the energy and innovative perspectives they bring to the table.

The New Board Members

Dr. Dora Rudo Mbuwayesango

Dr. Mbuwayesango is currently the George E. and Iris Battle Professor of Old Testament and Languages at Hood Theological Seminary. With an academic background rich in biblical hermeneutics, she co-founded the African Biblical Hermeneutics Section and has actively served in various capacities, including committees focused on international peace concerns. Her contributions extend beyond academics; she is deeply engaged in community initiatives, particularly through her membership at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Salisbury, North Carolina.

The Rt. Rev. Phoebe Roaf

Bishop Roaf, a Virginia Theological Seminary graduate, has a diverse background as a public policy analyst and attorney. After being ordained in the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, she served as the Associate Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans and later became the Rector of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia. On May 4, 2019, she was consecrated as the fourth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee, where she has focused on supporting small congregations and youth initiatives. Her roots in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and her lifelong commitment to the Episcopal faith have shaped her leadership style significantly.

Fostering Lasting Change

Rob Radtke, the President and CEO of Episcopal Relief & Development, shared his sentiments about the new board members, expressing gratitude for the guidance and leadership exhibited by the Board. Their dedication is particularly valuable as the organization pursues initiatives that promote early childhood development, combat violence against women and children, enhance community resilience against climate change, and participate in disaster relief efforts.

For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been committed to fostering sustained improvements in communities impacted by social injustices, poverty, natural disasters, and climate change. By collaborating with a worldwide network of faith and social organizations, Episcopal Relief reaches more than three million individuals annually, prioritizing caregiver support, child welfare, violence reduction, climate resilience, and effective disaster response.

With the addition of Dr. Mbuwayesango and Bishop Roaf, Episcopal Relief & Development not only reinforces its leadership team but enhances its mission to drive meaningful, lasting change in the communities it serves. The new board members will serve three-year terms with the potential for renewal, illustrating the organization's commitment to continuity and growth in its impactful work.

For those interested in learning more about Episcopal Relief & Development and their ongoing initiatives, further information is available at episcopalrelief.org.