Board of Trustees

The Board uses an organizational model called Policy Governance, which is a system that helps ensure that our Board and our staff are clear about who does what and why. Using this model maximizes the Board’s responsibility to our congregation members, and improves the ability of staff to support our congregation’s mission. Policy Governance promotes ideas such as accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency.

Guided by established Roles and Expectations, the nine members of our Board serve staggered, three-year terms and meet monthly to review staff reports and discuss initiatives that help us carry out the goals of our congregation’s Mission.

Board work is also carried out by several Committees of the Board. Most teams are a collaboration of Board members and other congregations members.

Board meetings are open to all. They are held the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

The agenda and archived minutes are published here ahead of each meeting. Other supporting documents are available on Realm.

We welcome your participation or input about our Board’s work!

Next Board Meeting

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

Join via Zoom!

2024–2025 Board Members

Natalie Mason
Term ends 2026

President

Natalie Mason (she/her) has been a member of First Unitarian since 2014. You will most likely recognize Natalie from singing with the choir, performing special music or playing at the UU Coffee House.  Natalie and her wife Sarah Letourneau live in Des Moines with their dog Maggie, and travel frequently to their native Kansas to visit family there.  Natalie is on the management team for a call center and in her spare time enjoys playing board games, knitting, supporting women’s sports, eating garbanzo beans (or anything made with garbanzo beans) and of course singing and playing music.  Natalie looks forward to deepening her connection to the First Unitarian community through serving on the board.

Walter Pearson
Term ends 2026

 

Vice President

Walt Pearson returned as a member at First Unitarian Church after moving back to the Des Moines area in 2018 and is delighted with the opportunity to serve the church as a member of the Board of Trustees. He has been a member of All Souls Unitarian in Kansas City, MO; Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist in Adelphi, MD; First Unitarian Church in Des Moines, IA; Wildflower Unitarian Universalist Church in Austin, TX; and the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva, IL.

Walt’s leadership service in UU churches consists of stints on the Personnel Committee and the Board of Trustees in Des Moines, service as a Compensation Consultant in two UU districts to support fair compensation practices and help prepare ministerial packages, service on the Interim Ministry Selection Committee at Geneva, and current leadership of the Adult Programming Council in Des Moines.

Walt’s career in the labor movement taught him the importance of volunteer recruitment and support for staff and volunteers, how to manage conflict in healthy ways, and the importance of inclusive democratic practice to organizational health. From his service in higher education (University of Missouri-Kansas City, Simpson College, St. Edward’s University, Lewis University, and Loyola University Chicago) he learned about good budgeting practices, effective recruiting techniques, and how to hire good people and help them succeed.

Kathryn Sutton
Term ends 2026

Secretary

Kathryn Sutton (she/her) joined First Unitarian in 2015 and has enjoyed her participation and leadership for the past 8 years. She has been involved as a facilitator for Coming of Age for 5 groups, led the Young Adults group for 3 years and has attended several small groups. She is excited about the future of First Unitarian as a beacon of hope and healing in the community. Professionally, Kathryn is a digital designer creating websites for mission-driven nonprofits across the country; she is a thoughtful communicator who values inclusivity, kindness, diligence and honorable conduct.

Kevin Boeckholt
Term ends 2025

Kevin (he/him/his)

I grew up in First Unitarian, although I have just recently become a member. I currently co-lead our high school youth program, YRUU. I attended Iowa State University and studied economics and accounting. While in college I served on the board and finance committee at United Way of Story County. After graduation I moved back to Des Moines and earned my CPA license.

Board Committee Assignments: Financial Oversight

Crystal Loving
Term ends 2025

Crystal Loving (she/her) officially joined the church in early 2020 after several years of off/on again attendance. She was raised in Des Moines and has always lived in DSM, with the exception of a few years in the DC Area during post-graduate training. She has two children, Naoma (14) and Benton (11).

Crystal is an active leader in AMOS, particularly around Mental Health Services for Children and Youth and Public Schools. Outside of church she volunteers as a parent with DMPS Community Legislative Action Team (CLAT) to bring legislators, family, and public school advocates together to enact legislation benefiting DMPS students. She’s a research scientist by day. She enjoys reading, watching her kids play soccer or skateboard, and seeing the world one town at a time.  And good food with good company.

Board Committee Assignments:  Governance

Elaine Imlau
Term ends 2025

Elaine Imlau (she/her) grew up in a rural Lutheran ELCA church in north central Iowa, then joined a UCC church here in Des Moines after college at Iowa State. She “discovered” First Unitarian through the wedding of a friend and has been a member since 2011. As a retired elementary art teacher she has been active in the choir, Soul Matters, 7th grade OWL, immigration, coordinating the food fair and hosting various groups at the church (unhoused families in Family Promise, RAGBRAI visitors, and the Afghan family in spring.) With the closing of Family Promise in December she decided she finally had time to serve on the board and is looking forward learning about the governance side of this amazing and beloved community.

Kerry George
Term ends 2027

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. 

Ann Mowery
Term ends 2027

Ann Mowery 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. 

James Williams
Term ends 2027

James Williams (He/Him) is a proud new member of our church, but he and his wife Chrissy began their UU journey at Live Oak UU Church in the Austin, TX, area a few years ago. He volunteers as the song leader, helps in the kitchen, and has volunteered at the Trans Lives Festival. He hopes to do even more in the future as their 20-month-old son, Colm, becomes more independent. James and Chrissy moved to Iowa from Texas in October 2023. In addition to their role at the church, James & Chrissy love to travel, visit family, and enjoy all the amazing places Iowa has to offer! Professionally, James is the Administrator for Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS), a division of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), which helps individuals with disabilities train for, obtain, and maintain competitive, integrated employment.