Russ has been a minister for more than thirty years, and served churches in Toronto, Halifax, Quebec’s Eastern Townships, and outport Newfoundland. He has also taught at three theological colleges and worked on truth and reconciliation processes in Canada, South Africa, and Fiji, where he was UCC overseas personnel for several years.

 

Much of his ministry has been shaped by what you might call 'intersectionality' - the points of connection between the mainline church and other kinds of communities: Indigenous communities; Muslim and Buddhist communities; communities of refugees in the Middle East; and racialized communities. He has published two books, one on reconciliation in South Africa, and one entitled Turning Ourselves Inside Out: Thriving Christian Communities, which he co-authored with Dr. Robert Fennell of the Atlantic School of Theology after they spent five years researching churches in Canada and the US that found a way to revitalize after a period of decline.

 

Russ and his partner, Virginia, enjoy adventure travel and outdoor sports and hope that they will keep them fit enough to keep up with their growing and very energetic clan of children and grandchildren.  

Cassandra has called Fredericton home for 22 years and has been the Executive Director of Fredericton Community Kitchens since March 2020. During her tenure, she helped lead significant organizational growth and development, including doubling annual revenue, co-developing and implementing the organization’s first strategic plan, expanding the front-line workforce, strengthening organizational development, and substantially increasing program capacity and organizational reach. 

 

Cassandra also served as a Councillor on Fredericton’s City Council for five years from 2021 to 2026. Both this and her Executive Director position have allowed her to build a strong and extensive network of community relationships across our City and beyond. In addition to her work experiences, which also include a business Owner/Operator, an Administrative Manager and a Sales Associate, Cassandra has been a volunteer with Food Depot Ailmentaire, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business.

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Cassandra is excited to get to know the Wilmot community and culture, and to take on this leadership role with Wilmot at a time when she can contribute to our vision for our future, to our strategic and collaborative work within the community and to the necessary work to strengthen and grow our capacity and sustainability.