welcome new board members!
Vesper Society is delighted to welcome two leaders who join our board of directors this year: Jerry Brown and Joann Conroy. They share Vesper’s belief in the simple idea that a just society begins when everyone is well and respected as a human being. We look forward to working with them to uplift through service, break down barriers, and elevate community voices.
Douglas (Jerry) Brown served with the U.S. Peace Corps in Niger and Cameroon, the USDA in Latin America and the Caribbean, and U.S. AID in 32 African countries. Jerry has a graduate degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University. He currently serves on the Church Council at Augustana Lutheran Church in Washington, DC, working on anti-racism learning and advocating for affordable housing and decent wages. Jerry has extensive community outreach and church in society experience.
Rev. Joann Conroy is a tribal member of the Oglala Sioux. She serves as chaplain for the Good Samaritan Society/Sanford Health in Maplewood, MN. Her ministry includes St. Paul Area Synod Advocates for Racial Justice and Justice Ministry education program at Auburn Seminary in New York. Rev. Conroy is president of the American Indian Alaskan Native Association of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and serves on the board of the National Lutheran Campus Ministry.
These remarkable individuals bring deep experience and gifts that reflect our commitment to our values of service, justice, and partnership. With their compassion and expertise on our board, we are one step closer to our vision of a world that protects human dignity and enhances human potential.