Union Rescue Mission’s Senior Leadership consists of a dedicated team of professionals who are responsible for the oversight of URM’s five core divisions. Our senior leadership team inspires excellence, professionalism, and fellowship while fully embracing people who are experiencing homelessness with the love of Christ.
Senior Leadership
Mark Hood
CEO
Previously overseeing large scale operations at PPG Aerospace, Mark is poised to keep Union Rescue Mission moving forward onward and upward!
Mark brings a clear understanding of the central role of evangelism and innovative business experience needed to lead the Mission’s strategic development, and a deep commitment to sharing the gospel. He also brings a wealth of experience leading and building high performance teams and expertise in change of risk management and re-engineering – as well as a drive for continuous improvements and growth here to URM. Each of these skills will be critical as we expand our footprint across L.A. county to address hunger, homelessness, trauma and substance abuse issues that force people onto our streets.
As CEO at URM, Mark will establish key partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, drive growth, and share stories of transformation and the value of URM’s work in the community – made possible through the generosity of our donors.
Richard Baker
President
Richard is the President of Union Rescue Mission (URM). He joined URM in 2022 as COO and quickly expanded his influence across all four locations. Richard brings an extensive understanding of Skid Row and a profound knowledge of URM’s Christ Centered mission. He is responsible for all programs, such as recovery ministries, emergency services, retail operations and the strategic planning and execution for all facilities and operations, as well as all decisions related to the management of real estate and sourcing new opportunities. Richard knows every corner of URM and has become deeply immersed in the day-to-day issues affecting both guests and staff. His ability to connect with people is unparalleled, and he is deeply committed to transforming the lives of URM’s guests.
Richard has deep ties to Los Angeles, having moved to the city as a student at Biola University many years ago. Before joining URM, Richard was an executive in the hospitality industry with decades of global leadership. He is thrilled to be back in the US with his wife Stephanie, four children, and two grandchildren.
Dan Roleder
Interim CFO
Dan Roleder has served in non-profit, church and para-church organizations for 34 years. He has been at Union Rescue Mission for the past 12-1/2 years, serving in the Accounting Department as well as being a Chaplain to our senior men. Dan’s heart for ministry is what drives him to excellence in all that he does. His commitment to maintaining the financial integrity of URM has earned him the respect of his colleagues, especially during challenging times. Whether working on budgets or leading the Men’s Bible Study and Scripture reading every weekday morning starting at 6:30am, Dan believes that everything he does is set apart for the work that the Lord is doing at Union Rescue Mission. Dan holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in accounting and one in economics as well as an MBA and a Master of Theology.
The joy of his life is sharing and discussing God’s Word with those around him, especially his wife Carol, who also serves at Union Rescue Mission. Dan and Carol have been married for 40 years with four daughters and five grandchildren, who they love to visit every chance they get.
Richard D. Newcomb
Vice President, Philanthropy
Richard had a successful 30+ year career as an executive in the fashion industry. He felt called to do something more with his life, so joined the URM Board of Directors in 2013, and then jumped in with both feet by joining the Senior Leadership team at the mission in 2018.
Richard has a decades-long record of supporting social justice, fighting homelessness, and working to reduce poverty in Los Angeles, with multiple nonprofit organizations.
Since joining URM in 2018, Richard has collaborated with CEO, Andy Bales, and the URM Board, to help the organization grow significantly over the past six years. Richard and team reinvented the URM annual gala and turned it into an Emmy nominated TV Special on CBS Television. The celebrity ladened event was just named the Most Impactful Fundraising Event for Los Angeles for 2024 by the LA Business Journal. In addition, he added URM Over the Edge to their annual events in 2019. It now attracts hundreds of brave souls who are willing to rappel off the roof of the 25-story Universal Hilton Hotel to raise awareness about homelessness and helped raise over $5 million for the mission. He has recruited many significant players in Los Angeles to join the fight against homelessness and help support the effective and efficient work of the Union Rescue Mission. Richard’s leadership has had a significant impact in helping URM receive a perfect 100 rating from Charity Navigator, with 85% of every dollar going to life transforming programs and services. An accomplished speaker, Richard has been invited to appear in front of major groups at The Jonathan Club, Beverly Hills Rotary Club, and others as well as numerous TV and radio interviews on LA’s major stations.
Rev. Albert Kae
Vice President, Men’s Ministries
Albert is an ordained pastor within the Christian Reformed Church (CRCNA), and he joined the Union Rescue Mission as a chaplain intern after earning his M.Div. in 2015. Prior to going into chaplain ministry, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. After working in Silicon Valley as a consultant and project manager, he received God’s call to go into ministry. Albert is passionate about thinking through the theological implications of encountering Jesus Christ “outside the camp” (Heb 13:13)—whether on Skid Row or in the LA County jails. His better half, Cici, calls him Al Pastor (like the taco). Together they have two wild boys, Nathan and Joshua—who take after their mom and love to create and use their imagination!
Kitty Davis-Walker
Vice President Public Relations
EDUCATION
Attended the College of St. Paul’s & St. Mary’s in Cheltenham England, graduated from the University of La Verne in La Verne California. Received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
VP Of Public Relations/Union Rescue Mission: 8/2006 to present.
Duties include: Bringing Positive Media Attention to URM’s Activities, Programs and Services through all forms of Media including but not limited to Coordinating Public Relations opportunities to help generate URM name recognition on the web, www.urm.org in print, on radio, TV, Podcasts, Social media and spokesperson opportunities. Also coordinates all media relations information and logistics for events/special stories.
KKLA 99.5 FM Radio Co-Host of “Amazing Stories From Skid Row”: 2013 to 2023/ Host January 2024 to Present
PERSONAL:
Hobbies & Other Interest: I love helping people, Skiing, golfing, reading and traveling. I have lived in Germany, Turkey and England. I am a member of West Angeles Church of God In Christ. I am active in the hospitality and Media ministry of West Angeles Church, providing Video Announcements & Voice-Overs for Sunday service and special events. Well versed on all issues dealing with Homelessness. Moderator for Conferences and Special events.
Latonja Lindsey
Vice President, Emergency Services
LaTonja Lindsey has a passion to serve the unforgotten ones. her passion in life is to empower others through the love of Christ.
LaTonja has worked in non-profit Christian organizations for over 18 years. She has a background in administration, volunteer services, working with people who have disabilities, and community outreach. LaTonja has a BA in journalism.
LaTonja joined URM in 2007. She has worked in various position at the mission, which has allowed her to understand the needs of the people. She now oversees all aspects of men, women, and family emergency services.
LaTonja is a strong advocate for helping women achieve their full potential. She believes in sisterhood and strives to bring peace amongst all women she meets.
LaTonja loves to travel and meet new people from all walks of life.
LaTonja considers herself a foodie at heart and is always open to help broaden a person’s pallet.
LaTonja loves Jesus, her family, friends, and the unknown.
Yeilen Willis
Vice President, Human Resources
Yeilen Hernandez is a turnaround leader who helps bring out the best in others. She is passionate about life-long learning and tapping into the potential of her teammates. Her life mission statement is: To help people relate responsibly to God’s grace. For 15 years, she has successfully led human resources initiatives that have helped transform workplace cultures. Yeilen serves as Union Rescue Mission’s Vice President of Human Resources, responsible for providing strategic leadership in planning, organizing, directing, implementing, and evaluating the Human Resources functions of the organization. Working at Union Rescue Mission, she is able to align her passion for social justice with her calling for Christian ministry. She earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management with a concentration in human resources from the University of La Verne and a master’s degree in leadership and organizational studies from Azusa Pacific University. She is married to her amazing husband, Jose, and they live in the San Gabriel valley with their children Matthew and Joseph. She enjoys dancing, laughing, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.