PSWD Board of Trustees

                         2009-2010




The PSWD Board of Trustees is an elected body of four officers, three trustees, 1 youth representative, and the UUA trustee for the district. It is responsible for development of the district's policies. Its goal is to advance the programs and purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, and to support local societies. It is responsible for the preparation of the district budget, which is submitted for approval to delegates at the annual meeting.


Board Mission:

The Mission of the Board of Trustees of the Pacific Southwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association is to empower and encourage member societies to advance UU Principles and Purposes.

Board Objectives:

The objectives of the PSWD Board of Trustees are to:

• develop effective policies and deliver necessary resources
• model inclusive and anti-oppressive behavior and language
• create and support a staff and committee structure that will nurture the health, growth, and unity of congregations


Michael Sallwasser

President

UU Church of Long Beach, CA

As is the pattern for so many parents who join our church, I started in the RE classroom 20 years ago. I began with high school (my first class had one student), but since then I have taught or assisted at every grade level including adults, with three stints facilitating Our Whole Lives. I have enjoyed the opportunity to teach and learn from the youth and children of my church (and our high school classes are significantly larger today!)

I have also tended to the financial health of my church, organizing several service auctions and chairing three annual all-church canvasses. When the Fullerton Church asked me to design and lead a canvassing workshop, I welcomed the opportunity to be of service and connect with the larger movement.

I nourished the spiritual needs of the church (and myself) chairing the Worship committee, as well as leading and presenting worship services. The fullness of my participation in congregational life includes Strategic Vision committee, Committees on Ministry for the minister and DRE, Trustee, Vice-President and President. Presently, I am a member of the Anti-Racism Transformation Team and co-chair of Personnel.

Fifteen years ago I served on the Search Committee that called our current minister, Rev. Marguerite D. Lovett. This was a demanding experience that deepened my understanding of my faith and gave me insights into working with others toward a shared goal.  Much of my service has been informed by training through the PSWD, not the least of which was the transforming experience of a full week of Leadership Training School. This led to other opportunities for service, participating in and chairing PSWD Leadership Development Committee and serving as Trustee and Vice-President of our district.

More recently, I have served our entire movement as a member of the UUA Board-appointed Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Committee. Of particular relevance to my qualifications to serve as President of the Pacific Southwest District,  was spending my first year on the committee auditing the district structure’s role in our association’s transformational journey toward wholeness.



Bruce Celiz-Hagen

Vice President


Unitarian Unitarian Fellowship of Flagstaff, AZ

I initially found UU as a child. When I stayed over at my friend’s house we would go to his UU church and being raised Roman Catholic I was amazed by the individuality of this church.

In 1996, after completing my education and with our kids coming home from school with questions about religion, we joined the UU church of Northwest Tucson. In 1998, my family moved back to Indiana and joined the Lafayette, Indiana UU church. In 2000, we moved to Flagstaff, Arizona and joined the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Flagstaff. In Tucson I was active on the Worship committee. In Lafayette, I was active with the High School RE program.

In Flagstaff, I have been a member on the Finance, Religious Education and Worship committees. I have led the Annual Canvas, and served as Board Vice President and President. I have served as both district and national delegate.

My RE experience includes both Our Whole Lives and Coming of Age leadership. When our congregation first started sending youth to Camp DeBenneville Pines, I was usually the adult member and driver.



Janet Wieder

Secretary


Unitarian Universalist Church in Surprise, AZ

I have been attending UU churches since meeting my husband, the Rev. Dr. Walter F. Wieder, over 20 years ago. Being married to the minister of the congregation, however, makes it difficult to hold any official position within the congregation. Therefore, I have sought ways external to the congregation to contribute. I currently serve at the national level as a member of the Presidents’ Council and at the District level as Secretary of the PSWD Board of Trustees.  Within my home congregation in Surprise AZ (and before that, the Dallas North Unitarian Church) I have chaired six annual Service Auctions.

I have a BS from the University of Dayton and an MBA from Arizona State University. After leaving a 37-year career in the Information Technology field in 2004, I decided to pursue a second career in finance and currently work as a Problem Resolution Specialist at Vanguard. I have held multiple offices in three different Home/Condominium Owners Associations and other non-profit organizations, and currently volunteer with the Desert Botanical Garden. I especially enjoy reading and most recently, doing Sudoku puzzles. I currently live in Phoenix, AZ with my husband, Walt, and our cat, Kinsey (who adopted us 14 years ago). 



Bob Couch

Treasurer


UU Congregation of Las Vegas, NV

I am currently serving on the White Memorial Fund Committee for PSWD. I joined the UU denomination as a member of a small fellowship in Bend, Oregon in 1990, and I became a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas after moving there in 1992.

During the time that I have been a member of UUCLV I have served as, an at large member of the Board of Trustees, Treasurer, President of the Board (two/ two year terms), Vice President, a member of the nominations committee, and have chaired the pledge drive committee for two years.

I am very committed to my congregation and to Unitarian Universalism in its district, national and international programming.

I am retired after forty years as a teacher, counselor, and building administrator in the public schools of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada.


Kathryn Rickey

Trustee


Pacific Unitarian Church, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

I spent my life largely unchurched but felt the need for a spiritual connection after my divorce in 1990.  In 1993 I found Pacific Unitarian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes and found my spiritual home.  I became active in the church right away and as the Membership Chair, I planned my own new member recognition party!  Since then I have held many positions including Board president, Council chair, RE chair and Stewardship chair.

Shortly after receiving my MA in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University I joined the cadre of PSWD internal consultants and have really enjoyed branching out to help other congregations in Visioning, Strategic Planning, and conflict mediation, as well as teaching at Leadership Training School.

I have recently felt the desire to expand my service further than the reaches of my church community and when the opportunity to fill a vacancy on the PSWD came up, the timing was perfect.  I look forward to serving you all as a trustee.


Rev. Carolyn Owen-Towle

Trustee


First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, CA

A UU for over 40 years, I served First UU Church as co minister with my husband Tom from 1973 until 2002. During our ministry deep emphasis was put on collaborative leadership throughout the congregation; social witness, especially in issues of GLGBT and AR/AO; and building a beloved community.


First Church members and staff have been inordinately participatory in District and Denominational issues and organizations. While actively ministering I was President of the UU Service Committee, President of the UU Ministers Association, and ran unsuccessfully for UUA President in 1993. Today, I serve on the Ministerial Fellowshipping Committee and the Ethics and Collegiality Committee of the UUMA.


Tom and I have been married for 35 years, have four children and six grandchildren.


Carolyn Saunders

Trustee


Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson, AZ

I have been a member of the UU Church of Tucson for 10 years where I have served in a number of leadership positions including Board of Trustees, President, and now Financial Secretary. Within the District, I have served on the Nominating Committee and the District Assembly Planning Committee.

I am married to Bruce, a fourth generation Universalist, and we have two grown children. Our son and his wife are expecting our first grandchild in May. Bruce has bet me that the baby will arrive during District Assembly, but since they live in Phoenix, it will be convenient for us to get to the hospital!

I look forward to serving PSWD as a member of the Board of Trustees.


Ellie Chamberlain

Youth Member of the Board


Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson, AZ

My name is Ellie Chamberlain, and I'm a senior living in Tucson, Arizona. I joined the Unitarian Universalists twelve years ago, and have been involved in District-wide events for nine years, including Camp deBenneville Pines and District Assemblies. I've been an active participant in YRUU for three years, and am co-deaning the upcoming senior high camp. I thoroughly love and am committed to the well-being of YRUU and the people in it.


Tom Loughrey

UUA Trustee for the PSWD

Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, Costa Mesa, CA

The PSWD, along with most other districts in the Unitarian Universalist Association, is entitled to elect a member of the UUA Board of Trustees. Trustees serve four-year terms and are limited to two terms. They meet four times a year, three times in Boston, and once at General Assembly.

The trustees are the policy-making body for the worldwide association. Tom Loughrey, the UUA trustee from the PSWD, is a voting member of the district board, as well as the UUA board, and serves as the district’s liaison to the association.

The board operates by establishing policies to guide professional and volunteer staff in achieving specific ends relating to the growth, development and extension of Unitarian Universalist ideals by supporting local congregations.