Joe Welsh has stepped down as executive director of Friends of Sinners (FOS) after nine years of service. He cited the need to take a break from professional ministry to focus on his family.
A nonprofit release said, “Welsh’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing the nonprofit’s mission to support the recovery community.”
“I have been truly amazed at what God has done during my time at Friends of Sinners, especially this past year,” Welsh said. “After working in the non-profit world for almost 15 years, I feel confident it is time for me to trust God fully in his ask of me to step away for a season and focus on being a father and husband,” he added. “Change is hard, but my wife and kids have been my biggest supporters. I plan on resting for a season and trusting whatever God has for me down the road.”
Although stepping down, Welsh has agreed to stay on temporarily in an advisory role to help with the leadership transition. The release said he worked closely with the board of directors and staff to ensure continuity, especially in guiding ongoing capital projects and maintaining FOS’s client services.
Tom Galloway, currently the operations director, has been named men’s program director. During the transition, the FOS board of directors will oversee the executive director role. The leadership change comes as Friends of Sinners moves forward with its plans to complete a new men’s facility.
“We are deeply grateful to Joe for his dedication and leadership as executive director,” the board of directors said in a statement. “As we look ahead, we are confident in the future of Friends of Sinners and the continued impact of our dedicated staff as they carry forward the mission of transforming lives through discipleship.”
The board also expressed appreciation for the ongoing work of the FOS staff, specifically recognizing the leadership of Jessica Lee, women’s program director; Jordan Wilson, development director; and Dave Cox, ministry director.
The release says Friends of Sinners remains committed to its mission of transforming lives through Christ-centered recovery and is thankful for the continued support of clients, partners, donors, and the community as the organization enters this new chapter.
