Board of Trustees

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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 (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. 

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.” 

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.

Soren Kraemer (he/him) 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.