Aidsand Wright-Riggins
Collegeville,PA
Work begins when the fear of doing nothing at all finally trumps the terror of doing it badly.
Alain de Botton
Summary
Versatile and engaging professional Executive Director, Pastor, and Civic Leader focused on promoting the mission and increasing the effectiveness of organizations, churches, and communities. Passionate about managing and overseeing the implementation of organizations' daily operations. Quick and firm decision-maker possessing first-rate communication and organizational skills, passing a doctorate in organizational behavior and development. Recognized for successfully collaborating with board, staff, volunteers, partners, businesses, and other institutions to develop mission, vision, financial sustainability, and strategic initiatives.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Mayor
Collegeville Borough
01.2018 - Current
- Enhances public safety through strategic partnerships with law enforcement, educational institutions and community organizations.
- Develops and strengthens bi-partisan political partnerships to further agendas.
- Uses public gatherings, community events and direct relations to keep constituents engaged, satisfied, and informed.
- Works with Council to manage the Borough budget effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources.
- Promotes economic development by working with Business Development Committee and Collegeville Economic Development Corporation to attract new businesses and retain existing ones through targeted initiatives.
- Increases transparency in local government by implementing open data platforms, Mayoral State of the Borough Reports and encouraging community engagement.
- Leads in the creation of a more inclusive borough council, promoting diversity in representation and decision-making processes through Task Forces and Commissions.
- Streamlines permit processes for residents and business owners while maintaining compliance with regulations.
- Upgrading parks to increase community enjoyment and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Provides oversight and support to the Chief of Police and Collegeville Police Department.
- Alerts constituents of government actions and programs by way of newsletters, personal appearances at town meetings and individual meetings.
- Attended public forums, events and informal meetings.
Affiliate Faculty and Adjunct Professor
Berkely School Of Theology
09.2021 - Current
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
- Cultivated strong relationships with colleagues, participating in interdisciplinary initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic experience for students.
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions, and using techniques to track student participation.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional, and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
- Increased student retention by providing individualized support and tailored feedback on assignments.
Chief Executive Officer
American Baptist Home Mission Societies ABC-USA
08.1991 - 12.2016
- Managed a national staff team of over 100 employees, serving 1.5 million congregants, 5,800 churches, 16 colleges, nine seminaries, and scores of homes, hospitals, and community centers related to the American Baptist Churches, USA.
- Increased organizational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization's reach and influence.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Increased organizational revenue by implementing innovative advancement strategies and expanding opportunities for directed giving.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, reducing overall costs and increasing organizational sustainability.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Led successful fundraising campaigns, securing critical resources for program development and expansion.
- Spearheaded new program initiatives to address unmet community needs and advance the organization's mission.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the organization to create a more inclusive work environment.
- Evaluated program outcomes using data-driven metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted interventions.
- Forged strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
Pastor
Macedonia Baptist Church
- Provided pastoral leadership to a congregation of 1,200 people, increasing membership from 900 to 1,200 throughout tenure.
- Enhanced congregation's spiritual growth by delivering thought-provoking and engaging sermons.
- Supported community development through organizing and leading outreach programs.
- Fostered a welcoming environment for newcomers by creating an inclusive culture within the church community.
- Collaborated with church leadership to develop strategic plans for ministry growth and expansion.
- Mentored youth group members, offering guidance and support in their personal and spiritual lives.
- Managed church operations, ensuring proper allocation of resources and budget management.
- Provided pastoral care to individuals in need, offering counseling, guidance, and support during difficult times.
- Developed strong partnerships with local organizations to promote collaboration on various community initiatives.
Director of Peace With Justice Ministries
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
- Enhanced community outreach efforts by organizing events, distributing informational materials, and fostering partnerships with local organizations.
- Contributed to the development of policy recommendations addressing social justice issues by researching relevant legislation and analyzing data trends.
- Assisted in grant writing initiatives to secure funding for ongoing social justice programs and projects.
- Increased public awareness of social justice issues through engaging presentations at community meetings and conferences.
- Evaluated program effectiveness by monitoring participant engagement, tracking outcomes, and making recommendations for improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with partner organizations to enhance collaboration opportunities in promoting social justice initiatives.
- Facilitated open forums for discussing sensitive topics related to race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability rights, and more.
- Supported colleagues in drafting internal communications materials that highlighted the organization''s commitment to advancing social equality across all levels of operation.
- Participated in regular training sessions to expand knowledge of best practices in advocacy work and stay current on emerging trends within the field of social justice activism.
Education
D.Min. (Doctor of Ministry) - Organizational Behavior And Family Systems Theory
Dissertation:
- "Mitigating Human Stressors and Demonstrating Self-Differentiated Leadership in a Denomination in Transition"
Master of Divinity - Theology, Ecclesiology And Pastoral Care
- Dean's List
- Awarded Most Outstanding Preacher
- Honor Roll
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology of Religion
- Dean's List
- Associated Student Body Officer
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Fundraising
- Staff management
- Community Engagement
- Program Development
- Individualized Support / Pastoral Care
- Preaching / Teaching/ Public Speaking
- Crisis Intervention
- Leadership Development
Publications
Published with Judson Press, Journey Series "Justice and the Prophets" - 2020
Published "Passionaries: A Daily Devotional" - An Online resource published from 2013-2019
Author of the Foreword to "Take Me to the Water" by Starlette Thomas, Judson Press 2023
Author of Foreword for " Star Book for Ministers" by Edward Hiscox, Judson Press 2014
Author of the Foreword to "A Word for All Seasons by Henry Mitchell, Judson Press 2012
Distinctions and Honors
The first of his political party and the first African American elected as Mayor of Collegeville Borough in Montgomery County, PA. He was the longest tenured Chief Executive Officer in the nearly 200 year history of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS). Named Executive Director Emeritus by the Board of Directors and the Learning Center at the National Offices named after him.. He holds honorary doctoral degrees from Ursinus College, Alderson-Broaduss College, American Baptist Seminary of the West and Benedict College for his work in civil and human rights. He is a recipient of the Mixon Award for Social Justice by the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists.
Affiliations
- Rotary Club of Collegeville
- Greater Norristown NAACP
- Ministers Council, American Baptist Churches, USA
- Pennsylvania Association of Mayors
Timeline
Affiliate Faculty and Adjunct Professor - Berkely School Of Theology
09.2021 - Current
Mayor - Collegeville Borough
01.2018 - Current
Chief Executive Officer - American Baptist Home Mission Societies ABC-USA
08.1991 - 12.2016
Pastor - Macedonia Baptist Church
Director of Peace With Justice Ministries - Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Virginia Union University - D.Min. (Doctor of Ministry), Organizational Behavior And Family Systems Theory
Graduate Theological Union - Master of Divinity, Theology, Ecclesiology And Pastoral Care
California State University - Fullerton - Bachelor of Arts, Sociology of Religion
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