Phil Shea has stepped down from his role as the SWC Disaster Services Coordinator. We want to acknowledge that Phil did an outstanding job connecting our congregations to ALICE training and security assessments during a stressful shift in the safety and security landscape of local churches.

In accepting Phil’s resignation, Conference Minister Bill Lyons expressed deep gratitude to Phil on behalf of our congregations. “Thank you for your service to our SWC congregations. You have done more to develop both the DSC role and relationships than anyone serving in that capacity in recent memory. The SWC went from, ‘We have a disaster coordinator?’ to ‘I contacted Phil,’ when security, fire, or international aid questions came up. You always kept the SWC congregations informed about ways to assist in the U.S. or internationally. And your relationships with the wider disaster services network cannot really be matched.”

Phil is passionate about creating and supporting resilient and sustainable communities and for the environment. He is currently completing another graduate degree and his ‘Capstone Project’ focuses on Energy Mitigation and Navajo Culture. In addition to research and writing, the project takes Phil to the Navajo Nation a week or more per month as he collaborates with his Navajo teacher/elder Don Mose, his solar energy partner Reveille Foundation, and meetings with various pueblo leaders, agencies, and contractors. Phil will complete his project and the degree in July. Phil also plans to devote more time to life-giving activities with granddaughters, gardening, chickens, and travel. Best wishes, Phil!

Before a new SWC Disaster Services Coordinator is named, leadership will engage in a time of discernment. Letters of interest and resumes are being accepted from interested persons and with experience in disaster services response, critical incident management, or VOAD work. This is a volunteer position; the contact person for this opportunity is Rev. Dr. Bill Lyons, Conference Minister.