The Lehigh County Conference of Churches (LCCC) has announced the departure of its Executive Director, the Rev. Dr. Christine Nelson.

Ira Faro, Development Senior Director of the Conference, has been appointed Interim Executive Director.

The LCCC board of directors, led by Eunice Schermerhorn, Chair, is conducting a search for a new executive director.

Nelson has served the Conference as Executive Director since 1999.

In Nelson's 14 years of ministry with the LCCC, the Conference has grown to serve 12,000 citizens who are most in need, increased the budget to $3.5 million and increased the Conference's impact in the community.

"It has been my joy to walk with people in need in our community to a new chapter in their lives. It is now my turn to begin a similar journey," Nelson said.