Meet Our Leadership Team

REVEREND CRAIG D. WILLIAMS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Image of Craig William

Rev. CRAIG Williams WAS PROMOTED ON OCTOBER 22, 2017 BY THE SOUTH SIDE MISSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO BECOME THE ORGANIZATION’S 8TH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN ITS 93 YEAR HISTORY.

This groundbreaking appointment demonstrates the South Side Mission’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Rev. Williams is the first African American to serve in this role.

Rev. Williams has been a vital and respected team member of the South Side Mission since he began his career as a youth worker in 2003.

He has spearheaded various Mission initiatives including Adopt-A-Block, Hope Builders, before school chapel ministry in 4 Peoria Public Schools, 4 Food pantries, Youth-In-Motion Praise Dance Ministry, Redeemed Boys Mentor Ministry, Elderly Services, and much more.

Before his promotion to Executive Director, Rev. Williams also served as the Director of External Ministries and Assistant Executive Director.

Aware that his service area includes some of the toughest neighborhoods, schools, and housing projects on Peoria’s south side, Rev. Williams remains personally committed to the physical, educational, and spiritual well-being of its residents. He serves on numerous boards in the Peoria area.

Craig is the husband to Darlina, his wife of three decades. He is the father of 3, and grandfather of 4. He is a dedicated family man who exemplifies a life devoted to Christ.

As Executive Director, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the Mission and works closely with the leadership team and the South Side Mission Board of Directors to pursue the vision stated in the organization’s strategic plan.

To learn more about Rev. Williams, please watch as he shares his personal testimony during an interview on WTVP’s “Consider This” with Yvonne Greer.

the EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Each of us have been called to serve the South Side Ministry in different ways.

Jewel Dawson

Executive Assistant

Rich Draeger

Development Manager

Dr. Bridgette Heard

Accounting Manager

Program Supervisors

Chris Cungtion

Youth Ministry Supervisor

Mark Bowden

Pick Up & Delivery 

Mark Nottle

Camp Kearney Supervisor

Scott Howard

Maintenance Supervisor

Valerie Nelms 

War Memorial Thrift Store

Morton Thrift Store

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Board of Directors is comprised of city leaders that serve a three-year term.

Sherry Cannon

President

Ron Wyatt

Interim Vice President

Adrian Johnson

treasurer

Stacey Reed

 Secretary

Michael Hurt

Philip Schmidt

Jerry Motsinger

Jerry Johnson

Lisa Kroehler

Eric Potter

Deborah Johnson

Nathaniel Terry

Ron Wyatt

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