Union Rescue Mission appoints new CEO and COO

08 Apr Union Rescue Mission appoints new CEO and COO

Union Rescue Mission (URM), a nonprofit organization committed to the rescue, recovery, restoration and re-engagement of homeless men in the Wichita community, has named David Hodge as the new chief executive officer (CEO) and Joe Schroeder as the new chief operating officer (COO).

After a career in corporate banking and change agent roles, Hodge joined URM as the chief financial officer (CFO) in August of 2021 and has been serving as interim CEO since December 2023. He has served in executive leadership positions for several banks, a hospitality business and several ministries.

“After completing a national search for the organization’s new CEO, we are thrilled to appoint David Hodge as URM’s new, permanent CEO. David has been leading the development of a $2M facility improvement project that will start construction in April. David’s business acumen and finance skills have always been apparent, but his leadership with our staff and donors has risen above and beyond other candidates. David is committed to our mission and serving others with great care and compassion,” said Kurt Yowell, chairman of the Union Rescue Mission Board of Directors.

Schroeder is filling URM’s new position of COO after serving as director of operations since December of 2021. He joined URM after working as a law enforcement officer for 34 years with the Wichita and Andover police departments. Schroeder also retired from the Kansas Air National Guard as a chief master sergeant (E9), where he served three tours in the Middle East.

“Joe’s unique experience in law enforcement, logistics and Air Guard, combined with his steady hand brings tremendous leadership to our staff and the men we serve every day,” said Yowell. “Joe and David’s gifts complement one another seamlessly.”