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| Rev. Myron W. Wilkins |
Wilkins brings experiences as social worker and pastor to agency lead role
"GREENSBORO – The Rev. Myron W. Wilkins, trained social worker and minister, will become the new executive director of Greensboro Urban Ministry, the Board of Directors announced today.
Wilkins, 56, who currently leads a church in Chattanooga, has been a leader in the faith and nonprofit community for 20 years. He has lived and worked in several regions of the United States, opportunities that have built a broad knowledge of the obstacles to prosperity many people face across the country and effective strategies to create hope and help for people in need.
“We are so fortunate to have Myron Wilkins’ experience and expertise as we begin a new chapter of leadership here at Greensboro Urban Ministry,” said Board Chair Bonita Porter. “His background is rich and his vision is inspiring, and we all look forward to working with him. We have had 30 years of excellent leadership with Mike Aiken, so it was extremely important to all of us that we find someone who will carry on that dedication.”
Wilkins was born in Philadelphia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from West Chester University and a master’s degree in social work from Temple University. He served as a housing advocate for individuals and families facing displacement and as a county child protective services social worker.
As a pastor, Wilkins has traveled and spoken extensively. Since 2009, he has served as senior pastor of Hixson First Baptist Church, a 600-member congregation in Chattanooga. He is an ordained minister in the North American Baptist Conference.
“As a product of the inner-city, I have a great love, passion and burden for urban America,” Wilkins said. “In recent months, while serving in my pastorate, the call to do more in service to people impacted by poverty, homelessness and other life-dominating challenges has greatly intensified for me. I believe that my deep and abiding faith, and personal journey through urban poverty, combined with my experience as a pastor, social worker, and nonprofit executive, will empower me to serve well as the next Executive Director of Greensboro Urban Ministry.
The board’s search committee spent more than a year working with executive search consultant Elinvar of Raleigh and staff to determine who the agency’s next leader would be.
“We were fortunate to have a field of terrifically talented candidates to work with. Myron in the end was our first choice because of his approach to building teams, organizations and people to create success,” said Craig Siler, search committee chair and incoming board chair.
Wilkins will begin his new role officially on June 1. He will work closely with current Executive Director Rev. Mike Aiken during this transition.
“I would like to congratulate Rev. Wilkins and welcome him and his family to Greensboro. I look forward to meeting him and working with him to ensure he gets settled in and gets to know the wonderful men, women and children we serve, as well as the many caring people we work with to help those in need,” Aiken said.
About Greensboro Urban Ministry:
Since 1967, Greensboro Urban Ministry has expressed the love of God to people in need through practical action in the greater Greensboro area. Last year, the agency:
· Provided emergency assistance to 2,241 households
· Sheltered to more than 1,500 individuals and 54 households
· Served more than 38,700 breakfasts, 152,000 lunches and 37,800 dinners at Potter’s House Community Kitchen
· Received more than 1.19 million pounds of food and provided 22,942 food assistance bags
To learn more about Greensboro Urban Ministry’s programs, please visit our website, www.greensborourbanministry.org."
- A Press Release
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