Conference Disaster Coordinator at Work in Minnesota Conference UCC

The Minnesota Conference UCC welcomes Crispin Phillips as our Conference Disaster Coordinator. Cris joins a network of other volunteer Conference disaster coordinators across the United Church of Christ, who develop disaster preparedness plans for Conferences and congregations and assist with organizing disaster response and support should a disaster impact any of our congregational communities.

“I know from personal experience how overwhelming and life-changing a disaster can be for a community,” says Conference Minister Shari Prestemon. “And I also know how life-giving and transformational the presence of the UCC can be after a disaster strikes. It’s important to me that our Conference have a disaster coordinator, and I’m thrilled Cris has been willing to dive right in to that amazing work.”

Cris brings a wealth of experience with him to this important role. He is currently the Urban Agriculture Program Manager for Appetite for Change, a non-profit in North Minneapolis. He has been a Disaster Relief Coordinator and Response Coordinator with the Minneapolis/Twin Cities Chapter of the Red Cross. He has served on various action, feeding, and damage assessment teams in response to various disasters including Hurricane Katrina, flooding in southern Minnesota, and tornadoes in Greenburg, Kansas.

Crispin is a former developer of cooperatives with farmers in Jamaica, West Indies and the Cayman Islands where he facilitated learning and teachings through mentorship with farmers. He is a member of the Minnesota Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (MNVOAD).

Crispin has an undergraduate degree from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA and a graduate degree from Oklahoma State University.

Reach out directly to Crispin Phillips for information about developing your congregation’s disaster preparedness plan.