As we look ahead to Interfaith America’s 30th anniversary in 2028, I’m excited to share an evolution in our leadership structure that will help guide the next chapter of our work building an interfaith America grounded in our principles of respect, relate, and cooperate. 

We have elevated our Chief External Affairs Officer, Amber Hacker, and our Chief Program Officer, Mary Ellen Giess, to the role of Managing Directors. Together, Amber and Mary Ellen will oversee organizational management for Interfaith America, while I continue in my role as President, focusing on long-term vision and strategy. This shared leadership model builds on our strengths and positions us well for continued impact in the years ahead. 

I am grateful for the leadership of Adam Phillips, who joined Interfaith America as Chief Strategy Officer & Chief of Staff in fall 2023 and then served as CEO beginning in spring 2025.  

Reflecting on his time at Interfaith America, Adam shared: 

“When I arrived in September 2023, Interfaith America was a strong organization with a clear mission and a quiet but powerful ambition to scale — to grow in ways that would allow it to truly meet the moment and deliver on the promise of American pluralism. What followed was an intensive and purposeful period of growth.

As I enter my next chapter, what I will carry with me most is the privilege of standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the most gifted and dedicated people I have ever known — colleagues who show up every day as genuine problem-solvers in a country navigating deep division and conflict. That is the heart of this work: proving, together, that cooperation across difference is not only possible but powerful. The mission of this organization matters deeply, and I am truly grateful to have played a part in it and to have learned so much from this community along the way.” 

Adam helped steward the organization through an important period, and we wish him every success as he begins his next chapter, including the upcoming publication of his book with Orbis Books, which will be published in Spring 2027.

In this fragile moment for our democracy and our institutions, Interfaith America remains as focused as ever on offering our neighbors a new way to see our country — and one another. I am deeply energized by our work. Now more than ever, we need ambassadors for pluralism on our campuses, in our workplaces and in our communities, and I am inspired by the opportunities ahead to meet the challenges of this moment. 

As America prepares to mark its 250th birthday, I invite you to join us in building interfaith America the nation — working across our differences for the common good. Thank you for your partnership and for being part of this exciting and essential work.