Board of Trustees

The Board meets regularly on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. CT.

Join via Zoom!

The annual meeting takes place each year on the first Sunday in June.

Members can access all church documents (Bylaws, Governing Policies, Operating Policies, Minutes, etc.) in the Members Only section of the website, or their Realm account, under Groups – Active Member – Files tab. Please contact the office if you need assistance.

President

Kerry retired from Des Moines Area Community College in 2019 and is originally from Illinois. After graduating from the University of Illinois in 1973, Kerry began working as a respiratory therapist in Freeport, Illinois. He worked in Madison, Wisconsin, for a couple of years before accepting the position of Director of the DMACC Respiratory Therapy Program in June of 1977, where he led and taught in that program for 42 years. Kerry and his wife joined First Unitarian Church of Des Moines in 2009. As a member, Kerry has been involved in three Soul Matters groups, served on hospitality teams, attended Unity Circle meals, hosted Food Fair (FFFF and FFF) events, baked items for auctions, served on the Kitchen Care Committee, worked with mUUvies, assisted with Progressive Voices Concerts, participated in Circle Suppers, helped lead Memorial Receptions Committee and pretty much helps wherever needed. Kerry has also served on and been the President of many local, state, and national boards. Many of these are related to his profession of Respiratory Therapy, such as the Iowa Society for Respiratory Care, the Iowa Respiratory Care Licensure Board, the American Lung Association of Iowa, the American Association for Respiratory Care, and the National Board for Respiratory Care. Outside his professional involvement, Kerry has served and led the Ankeny YMCA Board, Aquahawks Swim Club, and Des Moines Swim Federation. 

Vice President

Diane and family joined the church in the late nineties when her children went through the youth programs. After a hiatus Diane came back as a member in 2009, and since has facilitated Wellsprings, Soul Matters, and has been involved in Small Group Ministries, Connections, Circle Suppers, Grounds Team, Celebrant Team and Hospitality. Diane has experience working with boards and governing bodies. She served on the Norwalk School Board, the State Preserves Advisory Board, staffed the Natural Resources Commission, and worked as a legislative liaison for the Department of Natural Resources.  

“I am eager to serve on the Board at this exciting time as we gain a new settled minister and as we continue to promote social justice in these very challenging times. I especially felt disconnected after the last election and see this church as my strength and refuge, and I want to be more active.” 

Secretary

Oge has been a member of First Unitarian since 2023 after hearing a moving sermon by a UU minister at Grinnell College, his alma mater. He lives with his wife and son in the Des Moines area. Oge was born in Seattle, Washington; grew up in Lagos, Nigeria; and has worked all around the US as an IT consultant. He enjoys playing chess and eating cheese.

Ann has been a church member for over 40 years and has regularly attended and committed since marrying Al Powers 34 years ago. Ann’s committee involvement has included membership, minister’s search, the art wall, stewardship, and most notably, pastoral care and the kitchen remodel. She has volunteered for the nursery, Family Promise, Food Fair events, memorials, hospitality for the Saturday evening services, and Soul Matters/Connection Circles. She has participated in Gay Pride parades, General Assemblies, walks for environmental causes, immigrant companioning and picking up litter. Ann stated, “I love this church and its community! I am at home here.” In her free time, Ann is a painter, reader, exerciser, and political party wannabe activist. 

Linda has been a UU since 1983, primarily as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities.  She joined First Unitarian of Des Moines in 2021.  Since joining this congregation, she became active in Green Sanctuary, a hospitality team, a Connections Circle, and also taught two Sacred Earth classes.  In her previous church she served on a number of committees and teams over the years.  Her three children were raised in the UU church.

Linda spent 38 years as an educator, wearing a variety of hats – teacher in an alternative high school, district at-risk coordinator, district special education coordinator, and middle school principal.   Her greatest passions are her family and working on environmental conservation, preservation, and justice.  She loves hiking, native plants, and our beautiful national parks and wild areas.

Soren has been a member of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines since 2008. He and his wife, Karen, moved from NW Arkansas to Des Moines in 2007 to continue his medical career as a colorectal surgeon at Mercy Medical Center. They have 3 adult children. Soren has been a long-time member of the choir, is an avid tennis player and green energy enthusiast. He is interested in becoming more involved in the church and its activities and looks forward to serving on the Board.

I’ve been a member of First Unitarian Church for about seven years, and during that time I’ve found many meaningful ways to get involved. I’ve served on the Building Committee and Dare to Dream committees, and I regularly participate in hospitality, choir, bell choir, and special music. Being part of the music program and working behind the scenes has been a wonderful way to connect with others and support the life of the church. 

Beyond First UU, I’ve been a Habitat for Humanity volunteer since 1990, including several trips to El Salvador, which has deeply shaped my sense of service and community. I’ve also served on boards for organizations such as the Des Moines Diversity Chorus, Des Moines Concert Handbells, and Des Moines Metro Concert Bands, giving me solid experience in nonprofit governance and collaborative leadership. 

I’m widowed and the parent of two adult children, and this stage of life allows me both the time and perspective to contribute thoughtfully. What excites me most about serving on the Board of Trustees is working alongside fellow congregants and supporting staff as we continue building a church that is relevant, welcoming, and resilient. I hope to bring strong analytical skills, experience with governance, and a steady ability to build consensus—especially when navigating complex decisions together.  

I’ve been part of First Unitarian Church since about 2003—around the time I signed the membership book—and over the years I’ve been grateful for many opportunities to serve. My involvement has included grounds volunteering, co-teaching Youth RE and serving as a Coming of Age mentor, teaching New UU classes, helping with the AV crew, and singing in the choir. These roles have helped me build relationships across generations and experience the church from many angles. 

Outside the congregation, I bring board experience as a founding board member of several organizations, including Iraq Refugee Support Services, DSM Young Artists Theatre, and Merle Hay Neighborhood Association. Those experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and listening carefully to community needs. 

My family has also been deeply connected to this church. My spouse, Ginny, has been involved in Religious Education, Faith in Action, and previously served on the Board. Our daughter, Lauren, was active in YRUU, RE, and Coming of Age as a youth. Together, these experiences have made First UU a central part of our family’s life. 

As a board member, I aim to bring a listening ear, curiosity, and creative interchange to conversations. I value thoughtful dialogue and hope to help foster trust, connection, and shared vision within the congregation.  

I’ve been a member of First Unitarian Church in Des Moines since 1999, though my UU journey began earlier. I previously belonged to Northwoods Unitarian Church in The Woodlands, Texas, First Unitarian Church in Iowa City, and attended the Moscow-Pullman Unitarian Fellowship during my college years. Across all of these communities, I’ve found UU spaces to be places where curiosity, values, and meaning-making are deeply honored. 

During my earlier years in Texas, I volunteered extensively in Religious Education, working with preschool and early elementary children. After moving to Des Moines, my involvement shifted to areas such as Wednesday evening meals, Sunday hospitality, Family Promise dinners, Food Fair fundraising, and leading an adult education class based on Living a Life That Matters. Outside the church, I’ve served in leadership roles on the boards of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Women, Food and Agriculture Network. 

My husband, Jerry, and I raised our two sons—now adults—in this church, and First UU has been a formative community for our family. Through both thriving and challenging times in UU congregations and other organizations, I’ve learned the value of speaking up during difficult decisions while remaining collaborative and flexible. 

Now, with time and energy to give, I’m eager to help guide and support this congregation. I care deeply about First UU’s future and want to help it continue as a thoughtful, welcoming, and engaged spiritual community.