The CWR Board of Directors met via videoconference on Thursday, July 11. In the interest of keeping members informed, we present highlights from that meeting:

Joanne Gallagher, CSJ, led the opening prayer, which was excerpted from Psalm 106.

The Board ratified a between meetings vote to approve the decision to hold the 2020 CWR conference online.

Board Chair Cecilia Rupell updated the Board on CWR’s executive director search. Cecilia also informed the Board that Kim Westerman has agreed to chair the Conference 2021 Planning Committee.

The Board reviewed proposed changes to CWR Bylaws language concerning Board service terms. The changes will be presented for approval at the August Board meeting. Pending Board approval, the changes would then be voted on by members at CWR’s Annual Business Meeting.

Interim Executive Director Kathy Gatliff is currently preparing CWR’s Phase I Conrad N. Hilton Foundation final grant report.

Communication and Membership Manager Brian Lavelle provided updates on member participation in CWR’s educational offerings, including webinars, Flash Conversations and LinkedIn Learning.

Conference 2020 Chair Rob Cogswell outlined plans to transition this year’s CWR conference to a virtual event. An online mini-conference will be held on Wednesday, September 30, followed by CWR’s Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, October 1.

Maxine Kollasch, IHM, detailed plans in place for the September 11 Cycling with Sisters ride and social justice pilgrimage from Chesterton to South Bend, Indiana. The ride will be COVID-19 compliant and will feature a series of prayer stops along the route. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, much of the ride activity will take place online.

In his Marketing Committee report, Spalding Hurst noted the inaugural CWR awards program was met with stronger than expected member response. With the closing of submissions, entries will be prepared and forwarded to the judging panel. Awards will be presented during the October 1 CWR Annual Business Meeting.

Membership Committee Chair Tammy Townsend Denny reported on preparations for the July 28 CWR Academy webinar: “The Universe Story: Changing the World by Living Its Lessons.”

The Board will next meet on August 13 via video conference.

CWR 2020 Board of Directors
Cecilia Rupell, Chair
Jane Strittmatter, Vice Chair
Jean Merry, Treasurer
Kim Westerman, Secretary
Jennifer Brandlon
Tricia Buxton
Robert Cogswell
Tammy Townsend Denny
Joanne Gallagher, CSJ
Spalding Hurst
Maxine Kollasch, IHM
Patricia Lenihan, RSC
Stephanie Manseau
Linda Romey, OSB

CWR Staff
Kathy Gatliff, Interim Executive Director
Michelle Izguerra, Business Operations Manager
Brian Lavelle, Communication & Membership Manager