Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul Announces New CEO
We are thrilled to announcement the appointment of Jody Emmings as Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul’s Chief Executive Officer.
This past January, the Interfaith Action Board of Directors named Jody as Interim CEO as they underwent a thoughtful transition planning process and executive search. During this time, Jody, who joined Interfaith Action as Chief Program Officer in January 2025, provided not only steady leadership of the team and continuity of services, but also immersed herself deeply in the organization’s history, culture, and multifaceted partnerships, understanding and honoring this heritage and preparing to meet future community needs.
Through this dedication to energetic leadership and strategic decision-making, Jody showcased her truly innovative and collaborative spirit; and her connection to the community has proven essential during a time of significant challenge and change. All of these factors led the Board to wholeheartedly embrace Jody to be Interfaith Action’s new Chief Executive Officer.
“As Interfaith Action marks its 120th year, this leadership transition opens the door to our future. In concert with the many faith communities, funding organizations, and others involved in our organization, we are eager to continue our important work with the families of Greater Saint Paul.” – Gail Olson, Interfaith Action Board President
Jody brings to her new role a passion for moving faith into action. She collaborates across faith traditions and professional networks to address issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and overall well-being—building connections and fostering dialogue that strengthens the social fabric of the Twin Cities. As CEO, she is focused on strengthening organizational clarity, deepening partnerships, and creating the conditions for Interfaith Action to meet the evolving needs of the community.
“We enter this next chapter with tremendous strengths: trusted relationships, dedicated partners, committed staff and volunteers, and programs that make a meaningful difference every day. As CEO, I look forward to listening deeply, stewarding what has been built, and working together to strengthen what is possible for the future of Interfaith Action.” – Jody Emmings
Leading an organization committed to the vision that every person deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to find a stable home, Jody is mindful that her transition comes at a time of heightened challenges for many unhoused neighbors in Saint Paul.
“The visibility of homelessness in our community reminds us of the urgent need to invest in long-term solutions and holistic support,” she shared. “As we stand alongside our shelter and housing partners in response to the dismantling of encampments, we are reminded that homelessness cannot be solved by moving people from one place to another. It requires compassion, coordination, shelter, services, and access to housing. Our focus remains on ensuring that people experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity and connected to pathways toward stability”
We stand at a moment of both challenge and possibility for our community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue our work together in this next chapter. Through every season of change, one thing remains constant: Interfaith Action’s mission and the approach we take to bringing it to life. Under Jody’s leadership, with your continued dedication and support, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to removing barriers and eliminating disparities so that every family can thrive.
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About Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul:
Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul, established in 1906 as the Saint Paul Council of Churches, collaborates with over 150 organizations and more than 65 faith communities, to address the root causes of poverty and provide critical support to low-income individuals. Each year, Interfaith Action serves over 6,000 East Metro residents by offering direct services for families in crisis while also working toward long-term systemic solutions. Core programs include the Project Home emergency family shelter; Career Pathways for New Minnesotans; and the Department of Indian Work, which offers a culturally specific food shelf for the American Indian community, after-school and summer programs for Native youth, and an Economic Mobility Hub for American Indians.