Kristi Sigal has been named the new Executive Director of Evergreen Christian Outreach, taking the reigns from Lesley Jackson. Jackson was on staff with EChO for eight years and became the Executive Director in 2002.

Sigal is an ordained United Methodist minister from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She arrived in Evergreen 18 months ago with her husband, Myles and sons David, 13; Drew 11; and Zachary 3 ½.. “My husband and I honeymooned in Colorado 16 years ago. Ever since we have dreamed of living in Colorado to raise our family, and now here we are actually making our dream come true. We selected Evergreen because of the school system.”

“We both found wonderful jobs, and I can continue working in the non-profit sector where I have devoted my entire career,” Sigal continues. She believes that social change begins with creativity and energy at the grass roots level, and EChO is an example of a grass roots community effort coming together to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Jackson is graciously departing EChO at the top of her game, leaving some impressive growth statistics that would be the envy of any CEO. Under her leadership EChO expanded every aspect of its operation. As needs, services and donations grew, more building space needed to be leased on the Church of the Transfiguration campus. Jackson oversaw record amounts of donations and fund raising income, and the expansion of the EChO resale shop located at the Evergreen North Shopping Center (near the Post Office.) Her list of accomplishments have positioned the organization to assist record numbers of individuals and families recently, who need short term assistance with food, clothing, and living expenses.

“These accomplishments are the result of a very dedicated staff, volunteer Board of Directors who represent the area churches, and a legion of over 150 community volunteers. This wealth of caring and dedication make EChO what it is today,” Jackson acclaims, “and I know I am leaving everything and everyone in good hands here. It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with this great organization, and I will also greatly miss working with the clients and being a part of their progress and successes.”

Bill Damiano, President of the EChO Board of Directors and chair of the search committee, said there were many wonderful candidates and “Kristi had the background and skills that seemed to fit our needs perfectly. We were sorry to see Lesley go and we wish her the best as she moves on, but at the same time we are very excited to have Kristi on board. She rolled up her sleeves and got right to work with the staff and volunteers to make sure there was no disruption in the services to our clients. We are looking forward to supporting her and seeing other great things under her leadership.”

While EChO will continue to provide the same assistance for residents in the mountain communities, Sigal will work to implement additional elements of the organization’s long term plan. “We need to expand our services to include more individual mentoring, GED classes and other educational programs to help our clients reach or regain self-sufficiency. That is what I hope to develop and implement during my tenure.”

For more information about EChO call 303.670.1796 and visit the website at www.evergreenchristianoutreach.com. Donations and volunteers are always appreciated