Union Rescue Mission names new CEO and COO

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Union Rescue Mission has named its new chief executive officer and chief operating officer.

David Hodge has served as interim CEO since December 2023 and will now permanently serve as CEO. Hodge, who previously worked in corporate banking and change agent roles, joined URM in 2021 as chief financial officer.

“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,” says Kurt Yowell, chairman of the Union Rescue Mission Board of Directors, in a news release.

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The organization has also promoted its director of operations to chief operations officer. Joe Schroeder has been named as their new COO.

Schroeder has a 34-year career in law enforcement with the Wichita Police Department and Andover Police Department. He is also a retired chief master sergeant with the Kansas Air National Guard, who served three tours of duty 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,” says Yowell. “Joe and David’s gifts complement one another seamlessly.”

Hodge is replacing Doug Nolte, who stepped down last year after serving as CEO for 5 years. Like Schroeder, Nolte also spent decades in law enforcement before retiring with the rank of Captain with the Wichita Police Department.

For more about Union Rescue Mission, click here.

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