Religious Community Services names new executive director and board chair

Religious Community Services in New Bern named Ann Marie Devanney executive director and Jessica Kozma Proctor board chair. The faith-based nonprofit provides food, clothing and shelter through programs including a community kitchen, a boutique and an emergency crisis shelter.

Religious Community Services in New Bern announced a change in leadership with an internal promotion to executive director and a new board chair. Ann Marie Devanney was named executive director and Jessica Kozma Proctor was named board chair. The organization said the previous executive director, Candice Parker, voluntarily resigned after leading the nonprofit since November 2024. Religious Community Services is a faith-based nonprofit that serves local basic needs. Key facts: - Ann Marie Devanney has worked at Religious Community Services since 2021 and most recently served as chief communications officer. She succeeds Candice Parker, who led the organization beginning in November 2024 and voluntarily resigned, according to board chair Jessica Kozma Proctor. - Jessica Kozma Proctor joined the board in 2024, previously served as vice chair, and was named board chair in the announcement. Her background includes work in government affairs on issues affecting eastern North Carolina. - Religious Community Services operates at 919 George St. and provides food, clothing and shelter. Primary programs named in the announcement include a community kitchen, the buy-A-bag boutique and an emergency crisis shelter. - Both Devanney and Proctor emphasized the organization’s mission and community partnerships in their remarks and described a focus on relationships and stewardship. Summary: The leadership change preserves internal continuity and keeps the organization’s stated focus on serving basic community needs. Undetermined at this time.