Meet the Candidates!
The UnityCR Nominating Team is excited to place the following names in nomination for the Board of Trustees at the Annual Meeting. Please read all about them, ask them questions, and share with them your dreams for UCR.
Meet the 2024 Board Candidates
The Nominations Team will place the following candidates into nomination at the Annual Meeting on January 21, 2024 to fill the two available positions.
Board Nominating Team
Jim Greene, Chair
Greg McGaffic, Board Rep
Lynda Black-Smith, Congregation Rep
Rev Debra, Minister
Brian Mahon
After high school, I attended the University of Iowa from 1973 to 1977. I took some time off and completed a bachelor’s degree in General Studies in 1982. In 1994, I returned to school at UI and completed a Masters degree in Counselor Education.
From 1997 to 2006 I worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, first at Mid-Eastern Council on Chemical Abuse (MECCA) in Iowa City, then with St. Luke’s Chemical Dependency Services–part of St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. I decided on a career change in 2006 and from 2007 to my retirement in 2021, I worked first with ‘Tailored Living’ in Cedar Rapids in a variety of positions including Life Skills Coach, Documentation Specialist, Program Development Assistant, and House Supervisor. I worked mainly in group homes for people with mental illness. From 2013 to 2021, I worked with To The Rescue of Cedar Rapids as a Direct Support Professional in group homes for people with intellectual disabilities. The bulk of my career has been in the human services field. I retired in 2021 and returned to part-time work doing in-home senior care in February 2023.
I began attending Unity CR about two years ago and became a member, I believe, about one year ago. I have participated in Book Study Group. Lessons In Truth study group, and YFM ministry as an assistant teacher. I have had previous experience as a member of a deliberative body. I served as a member of the city council in Solon,Iowa from 1992 to 1996.
I think what qualifies me for the position are my intelligence, my critical thinking ability, my listening skills, and the fact that I am a team player. My intentions for UCR would be to promote opportunities for people to learn Unity teachings and to be effective in helping direct the business of UCR.
Christine Wigim
I started my journey with God when I was very young. Living in a non-pressured religious family, I found solace and peace with God as I attended church each Sunday and during the week. I continued to attend church after graduation and during the military but none of the services felt right for me. However, God always held a special place in my life. I tried a few churches, but never really felt at home. When I found Unity,I felt peace in my journey as I was welcomed, loved and accepted here. It is like my second home and the people are my family.
I have struggled at times with my spirituality, but I have come to understand that God is everywhere and that everyone carries God’s spirit. Even when I struggle, I know I am loved and can share that love and kindness with others.
I intend to make everyone who comes to our church feel loved and accepted. I look forward to learning more and helping others to deepen their Unity understanding. I am compassionate, empathetic, and kind. As a leader and a manager, I understand when a tough decision needs to be made and do so with love and compassion.
Currently, I serve as a YFM volunteer and Hospitality Team member.