Board of Directors

Juliann DePalma Hesed

Board Chair

Board Member since 2021

I am a life-long religious educator with two degrees in theology: teaching 3 year-olds to adults, perhaps most remembered for my emphasis on social justice and our God’s never-ending love of the most vulnerable among us. Married 48 years to Peter Fisher Hesed, we share a diverse family of 8 adult children and 12 grandchildren with 2 more on the way. I hold strongly to the belief that all humans are created in God’s own image, deserving of the same respect and reverence I offer God and therefore am called to offer all with whom I encounter. Retirement has afforded me the honor to volunteer with Isaiah 58 Ministries both as a Board member and as one of many volunteers who greet and serve our guests daily.

The Rev. Jerre Birdsong

Board Vice Chair

Board Member since 2021

Jerre is a Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, serving in the parishes of St. Mark’s in St. Louis Hills and Emmanuel in Webster Groves.  Following his retirement as Treasurer of Ameren Corporation, he received a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from UMSL after interning at BJC Hospice. Deacon Jerre spent many years on non-profit boards addressing low income housing, children’s advocacy, hunger ministry, and working with the YMCA of Greater St. Louis. His ministry at Isaiah 58 Ministries is consistent with the Deacon’s mandate to “serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely,” and to demonstrate that “at all times, your life and teaching are to show Christ’s people that in serving the helpless, they are serving Christ himself.”

Joe Kelley

Treasurer

Board Member since 2023

Joe became indirectly involved with Isaiah 58 Ministries in 2012 as a driver, picking up groceries from stores in the area which were supporting a network of food pantries in St. Louis. As his awareness of food insecurity increased, he became directly involved as an Isaiah 58 Ministries food pantry volunteer in 2018. He joined the board in 2023 and is looking forward to making a contribution to their great work in our community. Prior board experience includes serving on The Family Resource Center Board for several years as well as a ten year stint on the board of a privately held bank which had banking operations in four states.

Joe spent the first 35 years of his professional career in banking in St. Louis. In 2008, he transitioned to the role of financial planner and money manager for Acropolis Investment Management where he is currently employed. A native St. Louisan and member of Central Presbyterian Church, he feels called to participate in various activities related to their Mission Outreach programs in our community.

Kathy Swaller

Secretary

Board Member since 2023

Kathy began volunteering at Isaiah 58 following her retirement from the AT&T Legal department in 2021.  In her 32 years at AT&T, Kathy represented the Company’s interest in court and before a number of state agencies.  Kathy also acted as an advocate before state legislatures.  During her AT&T tenure, Kathy also provided pro bono services and was active in Street Law, a program which educates students in underrepresented areas about careers in the legal profession.

Kathy is active at Hope UCC assisting with a variety of ministry teams, including Worship, Outreach and Special Events.  She also assists with minor church maintenance needs such as cleaning, organizing and painting. 

Kathy believes it is a privilege to volunteer at Isaiah 58 and that she receives much more than she can possibly give from the diverse and joyful Isaiah community.  She gets a big kick out of devising fun and funky games for the annual back to school picnic.

Joyce Blackwell

Board Member since 2020

Joyce started volunteering one day a month at Isaiah 58 Ministries in 2017 with her church group to assist with fresh food distributions. She then became a regular weekly volunteer focused on organizing the non-food storage room. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joyce has been volunteering multiple days to week. Joyce enjoys being able to serve in a variety of roles at the ministry, from daily food distribution to special events. She calls Isaiah 58 Ministries “my happy place and where I am called to serve.”

Joyce retired after enjoying several careers within a career at IBM in a wide variety of roles, from geek to global executive. She served on the boards of several local civic and educational not-for-profits. After retiring from corporate life, Joyce increased her involvement at her church home, St. Mark Presbyterian.

She is an Ordained Ruling Elder and Deacon of PCUSA and active participant in multiple group and activities at St. Mark.

Margaret (Peg) Cooper

Board Member since 2020

Peg started volunteering at Isaiah 58 Ministries in 2014 following her retirement from being a faculty member at Saint Louis University School of Medicine for over 30 years. She taught human anatomy to many different students including high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, medical students and physicians. Since coming to Isaiah, on the suggestion of a dear friend, she has enjoyed working as a weekly volunteer. She likes working with the volunteers and the guests and appreciates the opportunity to give back to all. She wonders at what she continues to learn from everyone! She is active at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in a variety of different ways including serving as the chair of the Caring Ministries Committee and a member of the church’s Faith in Action Committee.