After a diligent and prayerful discernment process, Rev. Dierdra Clark has been named the corporate secretary for the Evangelical Covenant Church, effective December 4, 2023, after being appointed to the position by President Tammy Swanson-Draheim and affirmed by the Covenant Executive Board.
Rev. Clark, who is ordained with the Covenant, will oversee Covenant governance and compliance for the denomination. This role will oversee the organization’s unique polity and corporate structure and will shepherd the organization to meet its fiduciary duties and governance responsibilities. She will be instrumental in anticipating and addressing the organization’s governance needs, keeping the boards current on trends and issues, providing guidance related to our Covenant governing protocols, and ensuring that our organization continues to remain in good standing with federal and state laws and statutes. Clark will be responsible for the annual governance cycle and for the Covenant denomination Annual Meeting.
“I am delighted to welcome Dierdra Clark to her appointment as corporate secretary. Dierdra comes with exceptional credentials and has strong experience in leadership, policy, organizing, and administration. As an ordained Covenant pastor, Dierdra brings a minister’s heart and a deep commitment to our shared mission. I am thankful to have someone with her expertise and background to fill this important role,” said President Swanson-Draheim.
Rev. Clark served as associate pastor at New York Covenant Church in New Rochelle, New York. In that role, she helped to create and plan the annual Covenant Justice Conference (CJC). In addition, Clark led the creation and implementation of the first-ever East Coast Justice Journey. Most recently she has served the Covenant as lead of the Love Mercy Do Justice Network and Missional Vitality facilitator for the East Coast Conference. She has always had a heart for justice, beginning her career as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill. Her governmental experience also includes working for six years as special assistant to the Westchester County NY Executive. Furthering this passion, Clark completed a graduate degree at Columbia University in public policy and worked for nonprofits, including March of Dimes and Teach for America.
Her 20 years of ministry and nonprofit management will be a blessing for the Covenant as she serves as a critical liaison between the various boards, commissions, and associations and the Covenant.
Rev. Clark and her husband, Timothy, live in New Rochelle, New York, and along with their twins, Maya and Kenya, are members of New York Covenant Church. She looks forward to moving to Chicago in the coming year.
“I am excited to participate in God’s work along with my brothers and sisters at the Evangelical Covenant Church offices. It is only through God’s faithfulness and wonder that I would be able to bring together my experiences for the work of the Church. I am eager to get to work!” said Clark.
President Swanson-Draheim has also appointed Jorden Meyers as the assistant corporate secretary for the Evangelical Covenant Church. Jorden will report to Dierdra in this role and will support her with efforts related to the many administrative boards and governance responsibilities that exist within the Covenant. He will also continue to serve the denomination through his work within the President’s Office and on Covenant events. We are grateful for how he will use his many gifts to further the mission of the Covenant.
