By Kathy Chouteau
Rev. John M. Anderson has announced his retirement from the Bay Area Rescue Mission, a nonprofit serving people facing homelessness with daily essentials such as food, shelter, clothing and other critical care. He had served at the organization for nearly three decades, with 21 years spent in the role of president/CEO.
Rev. Anderson, who announced the news via a March 4 email correspondence, also took time for another important announcement: Bram Begonia will be taking over as the new president/CEO of the Bay Area Rescue Mission.
Begonia, who assumed his new position March 1, is a native of Hawaii and has worked in nonprofit leadership roles over the last 15 years with underserved populations in West Oahu (Hawaii), San Jose and East Palo Alto. His childhood was also spent in Southern California and Colorado, although he returned to his home state to graduate with honors from the University of Hawaii, Shidler School of Business.
“Bram is just the person to lead the charge and usher in a new era of service to restore hurting souls through the power of God’s love,” said Rev. Anderson in his statement.
He added that he “will deeply miss being part of this ministry after serving our community for the last 28 years.” Rev. Anderson will continue to serve in an advisory position for a few months to help Begonia get acclimated to his new role.
To support the Bay Area Rescue Mission with a donation in honor of Rev. Anderson’s years of service to the community, click here.