Saint Francis Ministries announced March 10 the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors.

The Rev. Brock Slabach, Heather Zdancewicz, MBA, and The Rev. Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis respectively bring extensive experience in health care, finance, and social justice to their new responsibilities.

“We are pleased to welcome Brock, Heather and Carissa to the Saint Francis Ministries board,” said Greg Meissen, board president. “Along with their practical experience that supports our work, they are committed to making the lives of children and families better. At the center of the board’s work is our vision of transforming lives and systems, and we proactively focus on continual improvement to seek the best for those we serve.”

Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis received a call to the priesthood while working in the field of International Human Rights. This led her to undergo formation as a faith-based community organizer in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas and later priestly formation in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Carissa served three congregations in Texas and Los Angeles before initiating Northside Episcopal Church, a church plant in central Houston. She has worked as a consultant to faith-based organizations doing social justice work, including Houston reVision, which is breaking the cycle of isolation for system-affected youth.  Carissa and her spouse are the foster and adoptive parents of three children.

Chief Operating Officer for the National Rural Health Association, Brock Slabach has served in hospital administration for more than 21 years and has served on the board of the NRHA and American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board. Also an ordained Episcopal deacon, he is canonically resident in the Diocese of West Missouri. Brock earned his Master of Public Health degree in health administration from the University of Oklahoma and is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Currently serving as Vice President of Finance and Administration for the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Heather Zdancewicz has also worked in the same capacity for the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Besides serving on boards for Kanuga Conference Center and the Episcopal Evangelism Society, she has also served on the Endowment Committee at All Saints Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas.

“Saint Francis’ excellence in reuniting families and treating the soul scars of vulnerable children makes board service an honor. Its Episcopal commitment is manifest in the organization’s leadership and operations. Both are built on the passionate pursuit of relational healing with holistic attention to every child’s story.” – The Rev. Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis

“I’m excited to join in the work of Saint Francis Ministries, rooted in the Gospel tradition and providing healing and hope to children and families for nearly eight decades and in six states.” – The Rev. Brock Slabach

“I am honored to serve Saint Francis Ministries. Bringing love and hope to children and families through Christ-centered, family-centered care and support is a great joy.” – Heather Zdancewicz

About Saint Francis Ministries

Saint Francis Ministries works as a child and family well-being organization, providing services in foster care, therapeutic foster care, adoption, family preservation/intensive in-home services, residential care, and community outreach services. Founded in 1945 in Ellsworth, Kansas, the organization now serves more than 11,000 individuals and families through child and family welfare services in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, and Arkansas. Additionally, Saint Francis provides supervised living and employment services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Mississippi. The organization is headquartered in Salina, Kansas. For more information, visit www.saintfrancisministries.org or call 800.423.1342.