Applications are open!
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 monthly at 6 p.m. on the following dates for the rest of this fiscal year:
- Mar. 23
- April 20
- May 18
- June 22
The agenda and relevant documents are published here ahead of each meeting. If you can’t attend, archived minutes and other reports are available for you to review at any time.
We welcome your participation or input about our Board’s work! You may contact the current Board president at BoardofTrustees@ucdsm.org.
Next Board Meeting
The Board meets regularly on the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. CT.
2022–2023 Board Members
Reba Eagles
Term ends 2024
Sally Merritt
Term ends 2025
Fern Stewart
Term ends 2023
LeeAnn Back
Term ends 2024
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
Andrea LeMeuse
Term ends 2023
Jeremy Guenther
Term ends 2024
Crystal Loving
Term ends 2023
Greg Nichols
Term ends 2023
Greg (he/him/his) and his spouse, Dawn Connet, joined the church in 2002. Their children, now grown, participated in various youth activities and RE when younger. Greg has held numerous roles in the church in past years, including a prior term on the board and a year as Board President, a member of the Council of Congregational Ministries, on the Vision Quest and Endowment committees, the recent Ministerial Search committee, and as an annual meeting moderator. He is employed as the Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Community Relations at Iowa Student Loan, a West Des Moines-based nonprofit corporation. His other community activities include serving as a board member for the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, the By Degrees Foundation, the Greater Des Moines Partnership Talent Development board, and on the Polk County Democratic Central Committee.
Board Committee Assignments:: Financial Oversight, Stewardship