Association members elect D.C. mission leader at annual conference

Colorado Springs, CO (July 20, 2009) – David Treadwell, executive director of Washington’s Central Union Mission, was recently elected chair of the board for the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM). The association, a North American body of some 270 nonprofits dedicated to helping the hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted, recently added four new executive board members.

AGRM members voted May 19 at the association’s annual conference in Denver to elect Treadwell. AGRM has led the nation in caring for some of the most difficult populations in the country. The new board members will continue that track record, said AGRM President/CEO John Ashmen.

“I’ve been privileged to have a great board since I’ve been at AGRM, and this new election has brought some excellent people in as officers,” Ashmen said. “David Treadwell has a wealth of experience in rescue mission ministry, is well-respected in his community, and is very forward thinking—qualities that associations desperately need in our ever-changing environment.”

Since 1998, Treadwell has headed up the 122-year-old Central Union Mission. The organization, Washington’s oldest social service agency, serves disadvantaged people with shelter, food, furniture and clothing, and shares with them the biblical message of Christ’s love. Treadwell recently served as AGRM’s Mideast District president.

Treadwell’s community involvement includes serving as chair of the elder board at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Va.; as a member of the boards of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (D.C.) and World Vision D.C.; as chair of Operation Compassion for the Luis Palau D.C. Festival; and as a representative for Feed the Children D.C. He’s also an active Rotarian.

Treadwell holds a bachelor’s degree in history. A retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, Treadwell’s military service includes seven years in the Pentagon with the Army and Joint Staff. Among Treadwell’s service awards are the Silver Star, two awards of the Legion of Merit, two awards of the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Treadwell retired in 1987 to assume duties as the director of administration of the Christian Legal Society, a membership organization that promotes religious freedom. Eight years later, he became executive vice president of Advocates International, which organizes and assists national attorneys in promoting religious freedom in countries where legal systems are tenuous.

Founded in 1913, Colorado Springs-based AGRM represents about 270 rescue missions in communities across North America. AGRM exists to proclaim the passion of Jesus toward the hungry, homeless, abused and addicted; and to accelerate quality and effectiveness in member missions. More information about AGRM is available at www.agrm.org.

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