Church of the Brethren Newsline
April 21, 2017
Bob Chase has announced his retirement from his long-term leadership of SERRV International, Inc., as of the end of April. SERRV is a fair trade organization that had its start as a Church of the Brethren program. Chase is retiring as president and CEO, and has been part of the SERRV team and part of the global fair trade community for more than 27 years.
SERRV International board chair Cathy Dowdell has announced the appointment of Loreen Epp as president and CEO effective April 1. Epp, who grew up in Canada, was most recently chief creative strategist for Room Planners, Inc., New York, and previously held merchandising leadership positions for Staples and Levitz Home Furnishings. She has a history of community involvement, serving as a board member for Ten Thousand Villages Canada and volunteering with the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative and the Long Island Cares Food Bank.
“I am so glad that SERRV was able to secure a person of Loreen Epp’s experience, commitment, and expertise to lead the organization,” said a statement from Chase. “I am confident that the many skills she brings to SERRV, especially in the area of merchandising and product development, will allow the organization to grow and serve an increasing number of artisans across the globe.”
Chase will be retiring from full-time employment with SERRV at the end of April , but will continue to serve on the World Fair Trade Organization Board of Directors and will work on a part-time basis at SERRV to oversee the organization’s Loan Fund.
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