Leadership Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2025
Contact: Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith
Email: susan@sdpconference.info
Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. Announces
Planned Leadership Transition
Rev. Damien Durr Appointed General Secretary; Rev. Dr. Iva E. Carruthers to Assume New Strategic Role
[Chicago, IL] Today, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. (SDPC), a leading faith-based justice organization serving Black churches and communities nationwide, announced that Rev. Damien Durr will assume leadership as General Secretary, effective December 1, 2025. Rev. Dr. Iva E. Carruthers, who has served with distinction as founding General Secretary and trustee, will become general secretary emerita. As trustee, she will focus on strengthening strategic partnerships and increasing philanthropy.
“Rev. Durr and I have worked together for the past fourteen months. As SDPC enters its next chapter, continuity and capacity are key,” said Rev. Dr. Iva E. Carruthers. “I look forward to supporting Damien and our team by focusing on philanthropic partnerships, strategic initiatives, and the organizational infrastructure that ensures SDPC’s work is sustainable and scaled for the future.”
“SDPC’s work at the intersection of faith, justice, and community resilience has never been more vital,” said Rev. Damien Durr, General Secretary. “I am honored to step into this role and to build on SDPC’s powerful legacy – expanding our pastoral support, deepening our civic and theological engagement, and growing the resources to sustain our impact.”
Under Dr. Carruthers’ leadership, SDPC expanded national partnerships across denominations, strengthened policy and advocacy initiatives, convened scholars and clergy around a theology of praxis and sufficiency, and launched innovative storytelling and archival efforts that lift the moral voice of the Black Church. Additionally, she achieved United Nations NGO Consultative Status for SDPC, positioning the organization to engage global policy conversations on race, justice, human rights, and the moral witness of the Black Church.
Rev. Durr brings new energy and a deep pastoral heart. He previously served as a community engagement facilitator with the Children's Defense Fund Nashville Team, as Executive Director of Faith Formula Human Services, as Youth & Young Adult Pastor at The Temple Church in Nashville, TN and as Executive Pastor of Community Development at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. He is passionate in the mentoring and developing of a strong social and emotional character in African American boys. His leadership will help SDPC deepen its civic engagement, strengthen its programs, and expand our impact in communities nationwide.
Bishop Leah Daughtry, Co-Chair of SDPC’s Board, added: “We are equally excited to welcome Damien Durr as our new General Secretary. His commitment to faith-rooted justice and his innovative leadership will guide SDPC into a strong future. This transition reflects both continuity and growth, ensuring that our mission to mobilize the moral voice of the Black Church remains strong and vibrant for generations to come.”
Rev. Dr. Forrest E. Harris, Sr., Trustee of SDPC’s Board, said: “Dr. Carruthers has been a prophetic leader whose vision and scholarship have elevated SDPC to a global platform. We are deeply grateful for her years of faithful service, and we celebrate her continued presence in strengthening the organization.”
Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. added that he and Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, co-founders of the organization are pleased that “The Board unanimously affirmed this leadership transition. Damien brings seasoned program, partnership, and organizational leadership, and Dr. Carruthers’ continued engagement in strategy and fundraising ensures SDPC’s values and vision remain at the center of everything we do.”
A Strategic Next Chapter
Continuity of Mission: SDPC will continue to convene clergy, scholars, organizers, and youth to advance faith-rooted solutions on civic engagement, health equity, caregiving, and community well-being.
Strengthened Fundraising & Partnerships: Dr. Carruthers will focus on cultivating philanthropic partnerships supporting SDPC’s programmatic innovation, leadership development, and archival storytelling.
Organizational Capacity: Under Durr’s leadership, SDPC will scale internal infrastructure, and elevate SDPC’s theology of sufficiency for pastoral supports and congregational and community impact.
Iva E. Carruthers Innovation Fund Established
As part of this transition, SDPC is launching the Iva E. Carruthers Innovation Fund, created to honor Dr. Carruthers’ visionary tenure while securing the organization’s future. At its core, the Fund embodies a commitment to faith-rooted justice advocacy, underwriting program innovation, leadership development, and storytelling initiatives that sustain SDPC’s mission at the intersection of faith, justice, and community resilience.
The Carruthers Innovation Fund provides partners, congregations, and the public with meaningful ways to honor Dr. Carruthers while advancing SDPC’s next chapter of growth and impact.
