b'John Ashmen has been a fantastic leader forand help it find its way forward.Citygate [Network], said Micheal Woods, CEOIn the summer of 2006, John was a vice-and president of Western Carolina Rescue Min- president at Christian Camp and Conference istries and Cleveland County Rescue Mission.Association (CCCA). A rescue mission staff Micheal served on Citygate Networks board and,member the association was interviewing more recently, on the search committee for itsmentioned that the top leadership position at new president. He led us through some veryCitygate Networkthen called the Association difficult times and started new initiatives thatof Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM)would [John] led us through some very difficult times and started new initiatives that helped many rescue missions take a leading role in their communities when it came to meeting the needs of the homeless and hurting. Micheal Woodshelped many rescue missions take a leading rolesoon be open and told John he was going to in their communities when it came to meetingsubmit his name as a candidate. One thing led to the needs of the homeless and hurting.another, and in May 2007, John was introduced Next up, Tom De Vries, former CEO and presi- as the new AGRM executive director at the dent of Global Leadership Network (GLN), hasannual convention in Atlanta.decades of leadership experience. He said hesWhen I was hired, Board Chair Rick Alvisgrateful for and passionate about the new oppor- who actually had the title of president under tunity to help empower, equip and encouragethe old structuretold me, We want you leaders throughout Citygate Network. because you havent been a rescue mission We love what Tom has been able to do at GLNsuperintendent. We want somebody who on both a national and international scale, saidunderstands associations.Citygate Network Board Chair Donovan Coley.He added, We need someone like you to drag We believe his skill set and experience will helpus kicking and screaming into the 20th century.Citygate Network build on the amazing successDont you mean the 21st century? John asked.weve experienced with John at the helm.Lets just do one at a time, Rick responded.Looking backA fresh start W hen John took over the head roleA GRM, then headquartered in North at the association 16 years ago, Kansas City, had a staff with a heart for the it was very different than it ispeople ultimately being served, but the today. The board was looking for a leader whoassociation struggled with technology, offered lim-could revitalize a 100-year-old organizationited benefits, and dealt with an often-contentious \x02 JULY/AUGUST 2023 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG 9'