Officers — Salvation Army epaulet shirts for the entire conference (also referred to as summer or classroom uniform). Of course, officers may also wear their full uniform. The only exception to summer/classroom uniform is for General Session and National Commander’s Celebration Banquet program stage participants—officers must wear full uniform (tunic) when participating on stage

Employees — business casual wear (no jeans, please)

Colonel Ralph Bukiewicz began his appointment as National Chief Secretary in January 2023. Before undertaking these responsibilities, he served as Chief Secretary in the USA Southern Territory after serving as Territorial Secretary for Personnel in the USA Central Territory. He also served as Divisional Commander in the former Metropolitan (Chicago, IL) and Western Michigan and Northern Indiana (Grand Rapids, MI) divisions.

Colonel Ralph was commissioned and ordained as a Salvation Army officer in June 1980. Together with his wife, Susan, they have ministered as a corps officer in several communities throughout Illinois (Rock Island, Macomb, Moline and Champaign, IL) and as Genesee County Commander and Citadel Corps Officer in Flint, Michigan. They have also served as Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary for the Midland and Eastern Michigan divisions and as Territorial Youth Secretary for the USA Central Territory, providing leadership for all youth ministries, activities and events throughout the 11 Midwestern states.

As Territorial Community Relations and Development Secretaries, they coordinated major fundraising, public relations, emergency disaster services, publications and visual communications projects for The Salvation Army throughout the central United States. In this appointment, they also oversaw the selection, development, and construction of six innovative Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers in the Central Territory, made possible by a national 1.7 billion dollar gift from Joan Kroc.

Ralph and Susan travel extensively, having visited 32 countries and ministered on five continents. They have also been assigned leadership roles for numerous national and international Salvation Army events.

The Bukiewicz family includes two adult children, Jillian and Jonathan. Their ministry extends to a third generation through their four grandchildren, Chloe, Mylo, Roman and Simon.

Bill and Diane Ury have been married since 1984 and have enjoyed a life of ministry together. After over two decades of serving The Salvation Army, in 2017 they joined National Headquarters and accepted the role of National Ambassadors of Holiness. They are Soldiers with the Raleigh International Corps.

Bill is a 1978 graduate of Asbury University, studied at the Institute for Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem, has an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary, and holds an MPhil and PhD in Historical Theology from Drew University. He taught Historical and Systematic Theology at Wesley Biblical Seminary for 23 years. His podcast is The Hour of Holiness. Bill has authored several articles and books.

Diane is a 1983 graduate of Asbury University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and an MA in Theology from Wesley Biblical Seminary. She loves theology, is a teacher, preacher, writer, disciple maker, and a women’s lives advocate.

Both Bill and Diane are ordained Elders in the Evangelical Methodist Church, have pastored together, and have spent decades discipling men and women. They are fully committed to the historic bases and contemporary expressions of consensual orthodox Christianity and the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. Their personal desire is to incorporate sound, rigorous Christian theological thinking with pastoral care, spiritual formation, and true compassion.

The Urys have four grown children - JoAnna, Maddi, Meredith, and Seth, three sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law and eight grandchildren, who are their constant joy.

Eric leads the relatively small staff of the Office of Emergency Management with the large responsibility of enhancing the emergency preparedness, resilience, and response capabilities of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian’s large and dispersed footprint, unique and vast collections, public operations, and its status as a national icon and symbol of U.S. heritage, present formidable challenges. Over the course of his 40-year career in emergency services Eric has responded to more than 60 major disasters. He began his career as a firefighter and worked his way to the Smithsonian with stops at the local, state, and Federal government levels for agencies such as FEMA, Florida, and North Carolina state emergency management offices.

Dr. Bill Stanczykiewicz serves as Senior Assistant for External Relations at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, where he directs The Fund Raising School. In addition to financially supporting his church, Bill’s personal philanthropy includes serving on the board of directors of Gull Lake Ministries, and he continues to volunteer at Shepherd Community Center. Bill’s hobbies include dating his wife Carmen, who serves as a major gift officer for Wheeler Mission Ministries. They have been married for 31 years, and their family has grown beyond their four children to six…now that two of their adult children are married.

Brittany is a Jersey born, guitar playing, adventurer/hiker who loves leading people into the presence of God through music and the outdoors.

If you ask her personally, she'd tell you that her guitar quite literally saved her life. Since teaching herself how to play in 2010, she's effectively been playing for 13 years and leading worship for the past 10 years. Brittany loves people, music, nature, and the semi frequent woodworking project. She has logged many hiking miles and countless camping hours, finding peace, solitude, and one-on-one time with her Savior, especially in this latest season. Her passion for Christ not only pushes her to be a light for Him in her everyday life, but it also continues to be the fuel behind her desire to lead people in worship. Brittany has had the privilege of leading worship at Soul Fest for many seasons as well as a youth conference in the United Kingdom and many throughout the easter United States. As the Lord continues to develop and mold her within her ministry, she hopes to be a representative not only of kindness, but of Christ.

Ms. Deanne Criswell was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on April 22, 2021 as the 12th Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Ms. Criswell is the first woman confirmed to serve as the Administrator, where she leads the nation's efforts in helping people before, during, and after disasters. She brings with her an extensive career in public service, with serving 30 years at all levels of government.

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Criswell served as the Commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Department from 2019 to 2021, where she was responsible for coordinating citywide emergency planning and response for all emergencies. One of her most significant accomplishments was leading the coordination of the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to include preventing the collapse of the healthcare system, making sure no New Yorker went hungry, establishing a first of its kind non-congregate sheltering program, and supporting the country’s largest mass fatality program.

Ms. Criswell began her career in emergency management in Aurora, Colorado, where she led strategic change in the city's emergency and disaster planning. During her tenure, Ms. Criswell coordinated transitional housing and family reunification efforts in response to receiving evacuees during the response to Hurricane Katrina. She previously served at FEMA as the leader of one of the Agency's National Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and as a Federal Coordinating Officer. In this role, Ms. Criswell was the primary Federal representative responsible for leading the agency's response to and recovery from emergencies and major disasters, from severe flooding in North Dakota to hurricanes in South Carolina to fires in Colorado. She also spent two years as an executive in the private sector, providing exceptional technical expertise and the experience necessary to help her clients achieve their critical missions.

Ms. Criswell also proudly served 21 years in the Colorado Air National Guard. She is a veteran of two overseas tours to include as a fire officer in Kuwait immediately following the attacks of September 11, 2001, and to Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010 where she advised senior leadership on fire protection requirements for new and existing military bases in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Ms. Criswell holds a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado – Denver, and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

A singer/songwriter and worship leader whose songs are in use by congregations around the world, Phil Laeger has been a key part of worship renewal within The Salvation Army for the last two decades. His unique storytelling and songwriting style have gained him awards and accolades from the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, the National Day of Prayer, the Nashville Songwriters Association, and Berklee College of Music—but above all, he has a heart for worship and to see people come into freedom through worship in Spirit and truth. The son of Salvation Army officers, Phil has a passion to see the Army raise up a new generation of worshippers and worship leaders.

Mariana Zumaya is a communication expert with a passion to empower underserved communities. She is skilled in Non-profit and Government Public Relations, Executive Board Operations, Journalism, Radio Advertising, and Media Buying.

Over the course of her career, she had received multiple awards and acknowledgments for her accomplishments as a communications professional.

Mariana is originally from Monterrey, N.L. Mexico and was raised in San Antonio, Texas. She is a first-generation college graduate. In her free time, she enjoys time with her family and volunteering in the community.

Mariana is currently the managing partner of The Zumaya Group, a consulting firm advising “for good” organizations on all things talent and strategy.

Individually, we are leaders, pastors, disaster responders, social workers, development professionals, fundraisers, and communicators.

From Baby Boomers to Generations X, Y and Z – we are problem solvers, visionaries, men, and women from all backgrounds. But together, we are an unstoppable force for good.

Our weaknesses: fortified by another’s strength.
Our opinions: enhanced by another’s perspective.
Our ideas: kindled by another’s spark.

Together, we serve –
So that children won’t go to bed hungry,
Homelessness won’t end in hopelessness,
And families recover from disasters.

Together, we work –
To create a world where people are no longer for sale,
Where every human is dignified,
And every soul is known by Jesus.

Together, we fight –
To break the cycle of poverty in America,
To tell our story with greater passion and purpose,
And to better articulate human need.

Together, we strive –
To grow infinitely,
To risk fearlessly,
And to trust completely.

Together, we ask bigger questions and seek greater answers.

Together, we transform our neighborhoods, communities, nation, and world.

Because Together is God’s intention for all.

Kelly and Donna Igleheart were born and raised in Western Kentucky. They met as teenagers and soon committed themselves to each other and to the Lord. The Salvation Army became their shared church home and formed the basis of their spiritual journey.

The Iglehearts entered the College for Officer Training in the USA Southern Territory and were commissioned in 1992 in the Followers of Jesus Session. Together they served 10 years as corps officers, followed by specialized appointments in youth ministry and then divisional leadership. The Iglehearts were appointed at Territorial Headquarters in the Southern Territory as Youth Leaders and later to lead the Program Section.

Their first adventure outside of their home territory was in 2015 when they were appointed as the Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministry in the Southern Africa Territory. Their journey in Africa has left an indelible impression upon their hearts and ministry. Completing their appointments in 2020, they were transferred to the Western Territory in July of the same year also serving as Chief Secretary and TSWM.

September 1, 2022 Kelly and Donna were appointed as the Territorial Leaders of the USA Southern Territory where they took up appointments as Territorial Commander and Territorial President for Women’s Ministries.

The Iglehearts have three daughters who are all married to wonderful men of God. Two of the couples are serving as officers in the Southern Territory and the third couple works with the Army in various ministries. The Iglehearts pride and joy are the blessing of eight sensational grandchildren. They enjoy traveling, photography and spending time with family and friends.

Chris Farrand is the Regional Director of Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) for The Salvation Army in MA, CT, and RI. Chris has worked for The Salvation Army for 15 years and oversees the operations for Immediate Response, Long Term Recovery, and Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC). He has supported many responses including the COVID pandemic; the Boston Marathon Bombing, Hurricanes Michael and Maria, as well as Haiti after the devastating earthquakes. Chris has developed numerous trainings on ESC and Emotional Resiliency, is currently the chair of CT VOAD and the co-chair of the New England Disaster Chaplaincy Association (NEDCA).

Nesan is a dynamic speaker and passionate hands on follower of Jesus. His heart for mission and sharing with people the process to finding hope has seen him become an integral trainer and leader for this generation. Nesan has served across Australia and the USA for the last 3 decades. Both Nesan and his wife Cheryl have served in some of the most disadvantaged and diverse communities in Australia and the USA, they have been part of city and community transformation, working with major stakeholders in guiding leaders towards a cohesive approach to dealing with our most challenging humanitarian crisis, refugees and homelessness.

Immigrating from South Africa at the age of 8 with his parents, fleeing the discrimination of the apartheid regime. His father instilled in him a sense of justice and the truth that all people are created equal. Graduating from the University with a Honors’ degree in Political Science and Psychology, later gaining a Masters in Theology.

In 2016 Nesan was invited to be part of the Australian Prime Ministers Taskforce working closely with the State and Federal leaders on National Policies on Refugee Settlement, his work saw him working closely with the President of Sierra Leone on national transformation strategies following the civil war in West Africa which left the nation struggling to come to terms with the impact of child soldiers.

Today he is the chair of National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission and a Commissioner on the Commission to End Homelessness in Orange County, also serving alongside his wife as Divisional Secretaries for Orange County and Corps Officers of The Salvation Army Tustin Ranch Corps.

Onesa Anozie, MSW, is a social worker and Pathway of Hope Director in the Southern Territory. She is passionate about holistically supporting individuals to reach their highest potential and live the life they were created for. Her journey as a social worker began over 10 years ago at a Corps in Anaheim, CA, as a case manager in an emergency assistance office. Onesa felt aligned with her calling and purpose being able to support families practically and spiritually. After years of working directly with families and individuals in crisis, Onesa moved on to supervise emergency assistance offices. She spent several years as an Urban Ministry Director building relationships with individuals living in parks, riverbeds and throughout the city trying to help them regain hope and stability. In collaboration with a community partner, she was able to establish Unbroken Women, an experience that brings women together to be seen, cared for and begin their healing journey. In 2019, Onesa started supporting the Western Territory in their expansion of the Salvation Army’s national poverty alleviation initiative, Pathway of Hope. Onesa now lives in Atlanta, Georgia and continues this work in the Southern Territory. Onesa is a proud wife, mother of 3 and lover of running.

Herman “Art” Taylor is President and Chief Executive officer of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance - give.org. As head of the Alliance, he oversees all aspects of the organization’s work, which includes setting standards for soliciting organizations, evaluating charities in relation to these standards, publishing the Wise Giving Guide, assisting local Better Business Bureau charity review programs, promoting charity accountability and providing a variety of materials on informed giving to individual, institutional and business donors and to government, hosting a weekly podcast, advancing collaboration among charitable organizations, developing giving tools and assisting charities in improving operations, governance and leadership.

S. Blake Lanier, MSW, LCSW is a psychotherapist and founder of The Lanier Practice, Inc., a mental health consultancy based in Atlanta, GA. For more than 20 years, he has provided clinical services to youth, adults, and family systems, as well as training and consultation to organizations. Blake was born into The Salvation Army as an officers’ child and specializes in the provision of clinical, research, and consultation services to Salvation Army personnel. He previously served as a clinical professor in the social work graduate program at Kennesaw State University, where he taught advanced clinical practice, human behavior in the social environment, and cultural competency. Blake works for the National Council for Mental Wellness as a Gottman Marriage Therapist, Birkman Consultant, and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. In the assessment and treatment of trauma in child, adolescent, and adult populations, Blake holds advanced clinical certifications. He also serves as a Master Trainer for Cirque du Soleil’s Global Citizenship Division and teaches arts-based, psychosocial programing to performance artists and community workers. Blake and his wife, Jill, live, work, and run in Atlanta, Georgia