Meet Our Leadership Team
REV. CRAIG WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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.
Rich Draeger
Development Manager
Business Operations Manager
Program Supervisors
Chris Cungtion
Youth Ministry Supervisor
Chris Franzoni
Culinary Services
Mark Nottle
Mark Bowden
Pick Up & Delivery
Maintenance
Valerie Nelms
War Memorial Thrift Store
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors is comprised of city leaders that serve a three-year term.
Sherry Cannon
President
Dirk Arends
Vice President
Philip Schmidt
treasurer
Secretary