Game Changers

Chong Bee Vang at work in the IAFR office

I am thrilled to let you know that IAFR just grew some new muscles this summer! Dr. Dawn Kilian joined our team to serve as Vice President of Staff Development. And Chong Bee Vang joined to serve as Vice President of Advancement! Both joined IAFR in June.

Not only has IAFR long needed to fill these roles, but Dawn and Chong Bee are the perfect people to fill them! What an answer to prayer!

Meet Dawn and Chong Bee

Chong Bee Vang (left) and Dr. Dawn Kilian (right)

Chong Bee Vang brings diverse experience in the world of refugee services and nonprofit advancement work. Among other things, he has served with World Relief Minnesota, the Karen Organization of Minnesota, and Lutheran Social Services. He carries the story of forced displacement as his family was resettled from Asia to the US when he was a child. Chong Bee will help us develop and strengthen relationships with new and existing financial partners - the people that make the work of IAFR possible.

Dr. Dawn Kilian brings a wealth of experience and expertise to IAFR as well. She has a D.Min in Leadership and Spiritual Formation and most recently served at Asbury University as Director of Intercultural Life. In that role she provided support and programming for international, third culture, and US ethnic minority students. Dawn is also part of Paraclete Care, a private practice focused on coaching and counseling. Dawn will help support and develop our growing staff.

Rachel Uthmann (Director of Training) and Sarah Miller (VP of International Ministries) meeting at the IAFR office in Minneapolis

Where do you get such great people?

While at a refugee related conference earlier this year, the leader of another agency came up to me and asked, "Where to you get such great people?" All I could say is that I am in awe of how God has led these people to join IAFR.

I thank God for the amazing team God has led to serve with IAFR!