This spring marks a historic transition in FGC governance! Two weeks ago, Friends General Conference Governing Board recently met for its inaugural meeting. After decades of service under the Central Committee and Executive Committee structure, the Governing Board is now part of a new three-body governance model. The formation of the Governing Board is marked by faithful discernment, intentional preparation, and dedicated commitment.

Faithful Discernment

Last October, Central Committee members joyfully approved a transition in FGC governance. You can read perspectives from a Central Committee member and a staff member on our website. The newly-adopted governance model aims to better serve meetings, broaden service opportunities, and strengthen inclusion. It is designed to be both sustainable and Spirit-led.

Meeting In-Person

From February 20-22, 2026, the Governing Board gathered near Dayton, Ohio. This three-day gathering marked the transfer of authority from the former governance structure to the current one. As can be imagined for a first board meeting, the board spent time on a wide range of topics. Several members who were present reported that the meeting went well and they felt the new board as a whole demonstrated a high level of commitment to FGC and all those we serve.

During the meeting, FGC’s Finance Committee Clerk, Paul Mangelsdorf, shared additional information about FGC’s finances. Board members built and developed shared understandings so that they can better serve FGC Friends long-term.

We’re grateful so many members of the new board spent time traveling so they could have their first face-to-face meeting together. We know that this weekend helped people to forge the ties that will serve Friends well over the coming years.

Intentional Preparation

Before board members met in Ohio, FGC offered a thorough introduction and orientation for new members. This included five one-hour orientation sessions to help board members develop a shared understanding of the work ahead. The sessions highlighted the duties and responsibilities that board members carry. They acclimated board members to key practical elements of the work: FGC finances, fundraising, and planning for the future. They also traced the evolution of FGC and its programming. I am grateful for the time that board members have spent to build a strong foundation together.

Dedicated Commitment

While FGC’s new bylaws state that the board must meet at least four times a year, the group agreed that more meetings would be appropriate in the near term. Several board members expressed an eagerness to dive more deeply into the work before them, and for additional time in worship.

Speaking for myself, I am so grateful to all the board members who feel called to this work.  I’m also thankful for the thoroughness of the Governance Working Group, which brought this change to Central Committee for discernment, and to the openness and deep listening of Central Committee itself. Central Committee members met the reports with openness and deep listening last fall as they committed to this new model. 

I look forward to introducing our Governing Board members soon!

In gratitude,

Barry Crossno

General Secretary