Episcopal Press and News
Lesslie Keller appointed director of Episcopal Community Services of San Diego
Episcopal News Service. February 9, 2007 [020907-07]
Lesslie Keller, chief financial officer for the Diocese of Chicago, has been appointed executive director of Episcopal Community Services (ECS) of San Diego, California.
Keller, who served as treasurer and canon for finance and administration for the Diocese of Chicago since August 1992, resigned effective January 31, and will assume her new position on March 1. She will succeed Jake Young, who has served as acting executive director for ECS since September 2005.
As executive director she will supervise an agency that serves more than 3,500 people a day through programs addressing preschool education, addiction treatment, mental health services, HIV/AIDS, emergency shelter and food assistance, job training and referrals, and assistance for victims of domestic violence. Annual funding for these programs approaches $20 million.
"Throughout her more than 14 years as treasurer, Ms. Keller has proved adept at responding to new challenges and opportunities, whether they be managing a budget within the constraints of a voluntary funding system, or protecting diocesan interests in real estate transactions, notably the redevelopment of the diocesan headquarters property on Chicago's Near North Side," said Bishop William Persell of Chicago in his letter to clergy and members of the diocese. "In all these efforts, Ms. Keller has shown herself to be a person of great faith, integrity, and generosity. We will miss her greatly."
As treasurer, Keller served as liaison and consultant to the bishop and trustees, the real estate management and budget authority of the diocese; Diocesan Council, the executive council overseeing program and policy between annual meetings of the Diocesan Convention; the Budget Committee of Diocesan Council; Episcopal Charities and Community Services; the Clergy Relief Society; and the Diocesan Foundation, the investment management board that oversees diocesan and congregational investments in a common fund.
"I am proud of the many accomplishments we have made in strengthening the finances and administrative practices in the seven diocesan entities and numerous boards and agencies I have worked with," said Keller in her letter to the bishops and staff.
She said she felt privileged to have worked with gifted leaders, talented and dedicated staff, and hundreds of compassionate volunteers during her 14 and a half years as treasurer.
Persell said an interim treasurer would be appointed to serve while a formal search for a permanent successor is made.